So I guess that means that some of my categories must be modified in my "Who Should One Root For In The 2012 Winter Classic". Specifically, question numbers 25 and 7.
Avery has been placed on waivers. The Rangers could assign him to their AHL affiliate, the Connecticut Whale, if he goes unclaimed by noon Saturday.
Avery hasn’t played in nine straight games and was waived for the second time this season.
The move means Avery will not play in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Philadelphia.
I generally try and remain neutral on this blog, but I am not a fan of Sean Avery. I won't go into it now. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
While I won't celebrate a player missing out on such an awesome event, I am certainly not in mourning over not seeing this particular player on January 2 in Philadelphia.
Bryzgalov is a different story.
Bryz will not play because he is not getting the start in favor of Sergei Bobrovsky. Bryz will be the backup.
He announced the news by saying: "I have great news and even better news. OK, great news is I'm not playing (Monday), and better news is we have a chance to win the game (Monday)."
Flyer fans certainly understand where he's coming from. Bryz's been struggling a bit lately (losing his last four starts) and the 2 points on the line for the Winter Classic are somewhat crucial. It sounds silly midway through the season to place such emphasis on a single game, but Philadelphia and New York fans would argue it is.
The Flyers and Rangers have an almost identical record going into the Winter Classic. Both have played 36 games with the Rangers notching 50 points to the Flyers 48. Of the two meetings between the clubs earlier this season, New York won both contests. This means that even if the Flyers win the Classic, the Rangers will still be ahead in the (at this point in the season) meaningless standings.
By the way, the Rangers with their 50 points are tops in the East. The Bruins have 49, Florida with 47 to round out the top 3. Philadelphia (48) and Pittsburgh (46) trail in 4th and 5th in the Conference standings (as the top 3 spots are reserved for division leaders) which means that the Atlantic Division will be one of the great races to watch this second half.
Over in the West: Chicago (52), Vancouver (50), and Los Angeles (44) round out the top 3 spots at this point. That Pacific Division is struggling overall. To put it in perspective, the Kings lead with 44 points. The number nine team in the conference has 43 points. In contrast, if the playoffs happened today; 4 out of 5 teams in the Central Division would make it (Detroit, Nashville, and St. Louis along with the Conference-leading Blackhawks). Only the Blue Jackets would miss out. Columbus only has 25 points. Last in the NHL.
Back to the Winter Classic.
Don't feel bad for Bryzgalov. He plans on sitting on the bench with a thermos of tea. And he has the bigger picture in mind. "There's lots of game in front of us, lots of hockey. I heard it was still the main goal in Philadelphia to win the Stanley Cup and prepare for this."
Technically, the decision hasn't officially been made. Coach Peter Laviolette said no such decision has been made, and that he would be speaking to his goaltenders after his Sunday afternoon media session.
Can't wait for 1:00 Tomorrow. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings enjoying some Parmesian Garlic, Salt and Vinegar, and hot wings.
