After months of publicity, planning, and hard-work, the teams took to the ice in hockey’s most anticipated regular season matchup.  Hockey grew up on the ponds and outdoor rinks and it was restored to its former glory on Monday at Citizens Bank Park.

The Philadelphia Flyers led by points leader Claude Giroux battled against Marian Gaborik and the Rangers on center stage.  And what a game it was.

After a stellar goaltending performance in the first period, the two teams were tied at zero after one period of play.  However two quick goals by Schenn and Giroux by the Flyers half-way into the second period gave the Flyers the upper-hand.  Shortly after, Mike Rupp netted a goal from the top of the slot to cut the lead in half.

The Flyers entered the third period up 2-1, but once again Rupp lit the lamp with his second of the game to tie things up at 2-2.  Then with just under six minutes to play, center Brad Richards scored to give the Rangers their first lead of the game.

Richards’s goal ended up being the decisive one as Lundqvist was able to stop the rest including a penalty shot by Danny Briere in the final minute of play.

it was a great outing for hockey, the fans, and both teams at play.  In fact, over 47,000 fans were present at the game and one can only look forward to next year’s Bridgestone Winter Classic that will be unveiled at the end of this season.