As the NHL puts the finishing touches on preparations for the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, below are several must-reads leading up to the outdoor game.
The N.Y. DAILY NEWS' Pat Leonard notes the Rangers are 7-4-1 since HBO "began following them daily" for the "24/7" series, compared to a 15-5-3 record beforehand. He writes what the team "could probably use more than anything is a game played out of the spotlight, an opportunity to put the defeat and distractions behind them."
The MIAMI HERALD's George Richard reports the Panthers are interested in hosting the Winter Classic at the Marlins' new retractable-roof ballpark in downtown Miami. While the chance "this actually happens is remote ... some with the Panthers think the NHL with its aggressive marketing could look at a tropical outdoor game as something unique."
YAHOO SPORTS' Greg Wyshynski examines his favorite Winter Classic uniforms, and gives the top spot to the jersey the Blackhawks wore during the '09 game at Wrigley Field. He writes, "The stripes, the colors, the retro logo and the whole kit -- inspired by a 1936-37 uniform -- made for a memorable alternate sweater."
NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick, who will call Monday's Rangers-Flyers game along with Ed Olczyk, talks about the Rangers' season and the Winter Classic, saying, "In terms of visibility it is a huge opportunity and it is a joyous occasion."
