New York Ranger Fans

Although the season is over, there's no shortage of news for New York Ranger fans lately.  Ranger fans, such as myself, have recently been dealt some fantastic news, as well as some deeply saddening news.

We'll start with the bad news.  It has been confirmed that Rangers forward Derek Boogaard has passed away at the age of 28.  Reports say that family members found him dead in his apartment Friday morning.  Little information has been released at this point in time, and it is not yet clear what the cause of death may have been.

Boogaard was respected as one of the toughest enforcers in the league:

Words from former teammate, Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom:

I don’t know how to describe it.  It’s really hard.  Unreal guy.   Great friend and an awesome teammate.   Just a really big teddy bear.   Outside the rink, he didn’t want bad for anyone.”

Boogaard registered 3 goals, 14 assists and 589 penalty minutes in 255 NHL games.

This is terrible news for the entire hockey community.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Derek Boogaard.  Rest in peace.

On a lighter, more encouraging note for Ranger fans, rumors have been swirling that the New York Rangers are going to play the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Rangers are the last of the Original Six teams to have not participated in a Winter Classic game.  It would be Philadelphia's second appearance.  It's interesting to note that reports are talking about the game being played on Monday, January 2nd instead of on Sunday, January 1st.  I would hate for the tradition of having the Winter Classic on New Years Day to change, but, at the same time, the annual outdoor game is a huge promotion for hockey, and it's important that the game is aired at a time that allows as many viewers as possible an opportunity to watch.  I'm interested to see what kind of impact an NFL lockout would have on the Winter Classic.  Perhaps the game will still be played on New Years Day if there is not football?

What I'm more excited for than the actual outdoor game itself is HBO's 24/7 series that will follow the Rangers and the Flyers throughout the weeks leading up to the 2012 Winter Classic.  HBO did an outstanding job this year filming the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins.  This time around, I will get an insightful perspective into the workings of my favorite team.  The personalities on the Rangers - think coach John Tortorella and Sean Avery - would make for great television.  I suspect that the mouth of Tortorella could give Washington Coach Bruce Boudreau a run for his money, and that's no small accomplishment.

A short clip from HBO's series this year following Washington and Pittsburgh: