Winter Classic Facts and Figures

The 2012 Winter Classic between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers marks the fifth year for an event that started as an experiment to provide unique television content for NBC on New Year's Day.

It has now grown into a traditional holiday "classic" in the true meaning of the word that grows in popularity year after year. The HBO 24/7 program has also become a staple for sports fans everywhere.

With all that being said, the numerologists at NHL Media Services have produced an extensive list of interesting facts and figures for you to enjoy. Make the jump for a compendium of all things Winter Classic...


2012 BRIDGESTONE NHL WINTER CLASSIC BY THE NUMBERS

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 31, 2011) - A look at the 2012 Bridgestone NHL
Winter Classic “By the Numbers.”

1     Cable cam that will be used in network coverage by NBC and CBC

2     Current Rangers who have played in past NHL Winter Classics (Mike Rupp, Pittsburgh, 2011 and Erik Christensen, Pittsburgh, 2008)

3     Baseball parks that have hosted an NHL Winter Classic – Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Citizens Bank Park™

3     Rangers who had seasons of 50 or more goals (Vic Hadfield 50 in 1971-72, Adam Graves 52 in 1993-94, Jaromir Jagr 54 in 2005-06)

4     Colors were used to light the Empire State Building on Dec. 28 in celebration of the NHL Winter Classic (Flyers orange and white, Rangers blue and red)

4     Of the five most-watched NHL regular-season games in the U.S. since 1975 were NHL Winter Classic games.

6     Flyers who had seasons of 50 or more goals (Reggie Leach 61 in 1975-76, 50 in 1979-80; Tim Kerr 54 in 1983-84, 54 in 1984-85, 58 in 1985-86, 58 in 1986-87; Mark Recchi 53 in 1992-93; John LeClair 51 in 1995-96, 50 in 1996-97, 51 in 1997-98; Bill Barber 50 in 1975-76, Rick MacLeish 50 in 1972-73)

9     Members of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers (including coaches) are participating in the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Alumni Game: Glenn Anderson, Colin Campbell, Adam Graves, Mike Keenan, Nick Kypreos, Brian Leetch, Stephane Matteau, Mark Messier, Mike Richter

9     Active Flyers who have played in past Winter Classics: Daniel Briere, Philadelphia, 2010; Matt Carle, Philadelphia, 2010; Braydon Coburn, Philadelphia, 2010; Claude Giroux, Philadelphia,  2010; Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia, 2010; Maxime Talbot, Pittsburgh, 2011; Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia, 2010; James Van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia, 2010; and Matt Walker, Chicago, 2009

10    Playoff meetings between the Flyers and Rangers (Flyers have won six)

14    Members of Stanley Cup champion Philadelphia Flyers team participating in the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Alumni Game, including coaches and off-ice ambassadors: Bill Barber, Bob Clarke, Terry Crisp, Gary Dornhoefer, Larrry Goodenough, Bob Kelly, Orest Kindrachuk, Reggie Leach, Bernie Parent, Jimmy Watson, Joe Watson, Mike Nykoluk, Dave Schultz, and Don Saleski.

25.5  Hours of NHL Network live coverage of Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic activities

39    Average temperature in Fahrenheit at puck drop for the four NHL Winter Classics (2008 – 31.1, 2009 – 31.9, 2010 – 39.6, 2011 – 51.7)

51    NHL Alumni will play in the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Alumni Game on Dec. 31 (1 p.m., ET VERSUS, CBC, CSN Philly)

53       Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration  unit, specially built for the NHL Winter Classic

66    Goals scored by Eric Lindros as a member of the Rangers (over 3 seasons)

69    Players in NHL history who have played for both the Rangers and Flyers

70    Broadcast cameras (all networks) that will capture all the NHL Winter Classic action at Citizens Bank Park, including a cable cam and an airplane cam

93    Miles separate Philadelphia and New York City

112    All-time regular-season games won by the Rangers over the Flyers

114   All-time regular-season games won by the Flyers over the Rangers

134   Goals scored by Jaromir Jagr as a member of the Rangers

300   Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Citizens Bank Park™

311   Regular-season and playoff games between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers including the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic

314   Goals scored by Eric Lindros as a member of the Flyers (over 8 seasons)

350   Gallons of paint used to make Citizens Bank Park™ ice white

2003  The year the Heritage Classic was played in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Montreal Canadiens, the first regular season NHL outdoor game in history

2008  The year the first NHL Winter Classic was played in Buffalo between the Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, with Sidney Crosby netting the game-winner in a shootout

3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Citizens Bank Park™ rink

4,500 Soft pretzels projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*

9,000 Cheese steaks projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*

10,000  Hot Dogs projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*

12,000  Cups of hot chocolate and coffee projected to be purchased by fans during the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic*

20,000  Gallons of water needed to create a two-inch ice surface on Citizens Bank Park™

27,000 Plastic bags prevented from entering circulation thanks to the continuing NHL Green initiative to provide reusable commemorative bags free with purchase at official merchandise locations.

47,000       Fans are expected to attend the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park™

75,000 People are expected to pass through Spectator Plaza between Saturday, Dec. 31 through Monday, Jan. 2

218,259 Total spectators in attendance at the first four Winter Classics

*According to ARAMARK

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass