The Hockey Stop

As I write this review of HBO's debut episode of "24/7 Flyers-Rangers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic," I'm riding on an Amtrak train through central Philadelphia en route to New York City's Penn Station. As we speed past the rundown rowhouses and abandoned warehouses of this gritty, greasy city, I can't help but think how Season 2 (Caps-Pens last year) of this Emmy Award-winning reality series is as much a tale of two cities as it is about two fierce rivals on the ice.

But the real story is that the two teams and the cities they represent have much in common.

Philly and NYC, despite the popular imagination of big bankers on Wall Street and UPenn rowers on the Schuylkill River, are actually deep down two blue collar cities with many similarities that are brilliantly captured by the HBO cameras. These two rusted out titans of the 20th century are attempting to reinvent themselves to stay on top in the 21st century with the same can-do, blue collar work ethic that made these magnificent metropolisis the economic engines of a bygone era in America. The same can be said of their hard working professional ice hockey teams.

The opening montage sets up the blue collar theme of the show as Rangers players get to Madison Square Garden by cab, subway and even walking. Rangers forward Ryan Callahan is from hardscrabble Rochester, New York, and the cameras show him meeting his family after playing a game against the Sabres in nearby Buffalo. In perhaps the most touching moment of the hour-long episode we see wheelchair-bound 95-year-old Grandma Callahan beaming with pride as she greets Ryan.

In Philly, the cameras follow Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds as he heads to the opening of an ice rink dedicated to helping inner city youth. Simmonds, who is Afro-Canadian, is joined by Flyers owner Ed Snider at the event.

Episode two airs tonight at 10 p.m. and this fan of the show is looking forward to seeing the urban backdrops of the Big Apple and City of Brotherly Love as much as the Rangers and Flyers.

In case you missed it, here is episode one.

(Picture credit: Lake Fong, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

The temperature is dropping outside and that means it's heating up inside NHL arenas across North America.

On Thursday the 2010-2011 season kicks off with festivities at Yonge-Dundas Square -- Toronto's Times Square.

But before the NHL Network's live coverage from Dundas Square at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time there is the first game to be played in Helsinki, Finland at 12 p.m. EDT between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Minnesota Wild. The team from Minneapolis-St. Paul will hope to have better luck than the Twins did against the Yankees at Target Field last night. The game will be broadcast live on Versus.

The marquee matchups are later in the evening as the Pittsburgh Penguins play the first game at their new arena against Stanley Cup finalists and cross-state rivals the Philadelphia Flyers. The Consol Energy Center (pictured above) in downtown Pittsburgh is the first Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED) gold-certified facility in the NHL. We'll see if the new building can energize the Pens on to victory over the Flyers. The game starts at 7 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live on Versus.

At 10 p.m. EDST Versus switches to Denver where the Colorado Avalanche will be hosting the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks as the rejiggered team -- no Dustin Byfuglen, Brent Sopel, Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg, Antti Niemi, John Madden, Ben Eager and Adam Burish -- begins its title defense against a tough Western Division opponent with one of the best goaltenders in Craig Anderson.

So get ready for what should be an exciting season.

The Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup in 49 years tonight versus the Flyers in Philadelphia off an overtime goal by forward Patrick Kane.

The red light didn't go on initially but some of the 'Hawks started celebrating anyway. After a brief review, it was declared a goal and the official celebration got underway with the hard-fought 4-3 victory in Game 6.

Captain Jonathan Toews, 22, was declared playoff MVP and was handed the Conn Smythe Trophy by Gary Bettman.

Chicago will be hosting its first victory parade since 1961 (before tonight the longest active drought in the NHL) for the team that won over this sports-mad city. The 'Hawks rode the timely saves of Antti Niemi, the stellar defense of Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell and the star power of forwards Kane, Toews, Dustin Byfuglien and Marian Hossa to claim the greatest trophy in all of sports.

Washington Capitals fans have been attempting to get President Obama to attend a game at Verizon Center to no avail, even going so far as setting up a Barack The Red campaign initiated by Caps-centric blog Russian Machine Never Breaks.

But with the Caps out of the playoffs -- Vice President Joe Biden attended their Game 7 loss to Montreal in D.C. -- Obama will not be attending a game at the VC anytime soon.

Perhaps the president's first chance to witness a hockey game will come this weekend. That's because the First Family is returning to Chicago for Memorial Day Weekend and Games One and Two of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers will be taking place at the United Center this Saturday and Monday nights.

With the 'Hawks the talk of the town, it will be impossible for Obama not to notice. Memorial Day is probably out since the president will be making remarks at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery south of Chicago.

So the opening game on Saturday night would be the best bet for the president attending his first hockey game. Both Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali have been seen at the UC donning 'Hawks jerseys so wouldn't it be great if President Obama joined them in the press box?

Stanley Cup Finals Schedule:

Saturday, May 2 at Chicago, 8 p.m. NBC, CBC, RDS

Monday, May 31 at Chicago, 8 p.m. NBC, CBC, RDS

Wednesday, June 2 at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. VERSUS, CBC, RDS

Friday, June 4 at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. VERSUS, CBC, RDS

*Sunday, June 6 at Chicago, 8 p.m. NBC, CBC, RDS

*Wednesday, June 9 at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. NBC, CBC, RDS

*Friday, June 11 at Chicago, 8 p.m. NBC, CBC, RDS

- * denotes if necessary

- All Times Eastern

In one of the most unlikely Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory, the Philadelphia Flyers will be representing the Eastern Conference against the Chicago Blackhawks after dispatching the Montreal Canadiens in five games.

That's right. Philly handily beat the team that Washington and Pittsburgh had no answer for. I really have no explanation other than the Flyers play better defense than the Pens and Caps, and defense takes you farther in the playoffs than offense.

And now I'm going to officially eat my words and promise to never make a playoff prediction again, because these Eastern Conference playoffs have been as unpredictable as they come. Here was my first-round prediction for the Flyers:

Devils-Flyers

Philadelphia is riding high after advancing to the playoffs in a last-game shootout against the Rangers. That won't last long. The Devils are a complete team. They already were one of the fiercest defensive teams in hockey, but with the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk they are now dangerous on offense. Flyers will sneak one win in but that is all.

Prediction: Devils in 5

Seems like eons ago doesn't it?

Congrats to the Flyers for their amazing playoff run. And warning to Chicago: Do not underestimate this scrappy bunch of Broad Streeters because nothing phases them -- not an overtime shootout in the last game of the regular season just to make the playoffs, not Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils, not being down three games to none against the Boston Bruins and 3-0 down in Game 7, and not a Montreal team that beat Alex Ovechkin's Capitals and Sidney Crosby's Penguins.

No. 1 seed Washington Capitals. Done. No. 2 seed New Jersey Devils. See ya. No. 3 seed Buffalo Sabres. Eliminated. No. 4 seed Pittsburgh Penguins. It's tee time. No. 5 seed Ottawa Senators. Have a nice summer. No. 6 seed Boston Bruins. Bye bye.

Improbably the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens will be flying to Philadelphia to take on the seventh-seeded Flyers at Wachovia Center for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Wow.

Unlike the Western Conference, where the two top seeds -- the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks -- will be battling it out for a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, two Cinderella teams will dance on the East Coast.

Tonight the Flyers came back from a 3-0 series deficit and 3-0 goal deficit in Game 7 in Boston to become only the third team in NHL history to climb back from three games down to win a series.

Simon Gagne scored on a power play with 7:08 left in the third period to propel the Flyers into the history books.

And what makes this win even more remarkable is the fact that Philadelphia needed an overtime shootout victory over the New York Rangers in the final game of the regular season just to make the playoffs.

And on top of that the Flyers are riddled with injuries, including losing top goalie Ray Emery earlier in the season and then losing backup Brian Boucher in the Bruins series. So they had to go with untested netminder Michael Leighton, who played solid in relief against the woeful offense of Boston.

And I also heard there was an NBA playoffs going on too, but I've been too busy watching the most exciting NHL playoffs in years to pay any attention.

Down 2-0 in their second-round series against the Boston Bruins, the Philadelphia Flyers could use some inspiration heading home for a pivotal Game 3 at the Wachovia Center.

My suggestion is to hold off on the "Rocky" movies and instead change the channel to HBO on Tuesday night at 10 p.m. for the documentary "Broad Street Bullies." The film looks back at the rough-and-tumble Flyer team from the 1970s who fought and scored their way to the only two Stanley Cups in franchise history.

Here is the trailer:

The National Hockey League regular season wrapped today with a thrilling overtime shootout in Philadelphia to catapult the Flyers into the playoffs and send the Rangers home to New York.

Here are the first-round match-ups. For the full schedule with dates, times and TV coverage, click here.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens

#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers

#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings

#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings

Also, some awards were decided on the final day of action.

Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay's Steve Stamkos will share the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy because both players finished with 51 goals.

Vancouver's Henrik Sedin nabbed the Art Ross Trophy for scoring with 112 points (29 goals, 83 assists).

New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur and backup Yann Danis won the William M. Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed, with 191.

Some initial thoughts on the first-round match-ups (and guess what, it all comes down to the men between the pipes):

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Caps-Canadiens

Washington is quickly putting its record-breaking regular season behind it (first non-Original Six team to reach 120 points) and focusing on Les Habs, a team it has never faced in the playoffs. Laval, Quebec native and former Montreal goaltender Jose Theodore should be pumped to play his old team and he is sure to hear it from the crowd, which should provide even extra motivation.

Prediction: Caps in 4

Devils-Flyers

Philadelphia is riding high after advancing to the playoffs in a last-game shootout against the Rangers. That won't last long. The Devils are a complete team. They already were one of the fiercest defensive teams in hockey, but with the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk they are now dangerous on offense. Flyers will sneak one win in but that is all.

Prediction: Devils in 5

Sabres-Bruins

A good match-up between two defensive-minded teams. But the edge goes to the Sabres because of Ryan Miller. If he shows the spark he had in the Olympics for Team USA, then Buffalo will be very hard to beat.

Prediction: Sabres in 6

Penguins-Senators

This is a very even match-up but the edge has to go to the Pens because of their experience winning the Cup last year and the Sidney Crosby factor. Also, Sens star Alexei Kovalev will miss the playoffs with a left knee injury. That said, Ottawa and head coach Cory Clouston should not be underestimated. They have weapons up front like Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson and the blue line is solid, especially with the addition of Andy Sutton.

Prediction: Sens in 7

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Sharks-Avs

San Jose is a perennial playoff disappointment and that won't change this year. Despite another stellar regular season, Colorado could upset the Sharks. That is unless goalie Evgeni Nabakov plays up to his potential. If he does, the Sharks are pretty much unbeatable. But the Russian goalie has been known to put in mediocre performances just at the wrong time. Avs coach Joe Sacco has his group of young players believing.

Prediction: Avs in 7

Hawks-Preds

Next to the Capitals, Chicago has the most dynamic team in the NHL. With Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews leading the charge the Hawks are the best in the West. But there is still a question mark at goal. Can Cristobal Huet and Antti Niemi take this team deep into the playoffs? Time will tell.

Prediction: Hawks in 5

Canucks-Kings

The City of Angels is excited the Kings are back in the playoffs after a long dry spell. And with a corps of young talented players like Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown there is a bright future ahead for the Los Angeles franchise. And they will give the Canucks everything they've got. But it won't be enough. Vancouver has more depth and experience and Team Canada gold medal winner Roberto Luongo and Art Ross winner Henrik Sedin.

Prediction: Canucks in 7

Coyotes-Wings

This is going to be a great series. Both teams are peaking just at the right time and have hot goaltenders. Phoenix has MVP candidate Ilya Bryzgalov and the Wings have rookie of the year candidate Jimmy Howard behind the net. With all the off-ice problems in Phoenix, it is amazing the Coyotes are in the playoffs. And Detroit had all kinds of on-ice problems earlier in the season. But with the kind of Cinderella season Phoenix is having, it has the edge.

Prediction: Coyotes in 6

ESPN.com is reporting a source told senior writer E.J. Hradek that the Philadelphia Flyers will play the Boston Bruins in Fenway Park on New Year's Day as part of the third NHL Winter Classic.

There was speculation that the Washington Capitals would play the Bruins but apparently the NHL wants the Caps to play the New York Rangers at the new Yankee Stadium on New Year's Day 2011.

The popular outdoor event is likely being expanded into a doubleheader on Jan. 1 with the Flyers-Bruins being followed by the Leafs-Flames at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.

The inaugural Winter Classic in 2008 was played at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo and set an NHL attendance record of 71,217. Hockey fans braved the biting Upstate New York winter weather to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 on a shootout goal by Sidney Crosby.

The second Winter Classic took place at Chicago's Wrigley Field (pictured above) and pitted the Chicago Blackhawks against the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings won the game 6-4.

The Winter Classic has grown into a great showcase for the sport and draws in casual viewers who don't normally tune into hockey games as the solid TV ratings prove.

Beantown is sure to be buzzing just as Wrigleyville was for the event. However, a Washington-New York matchup in 2011 at the new Yankee Stadium featuring Alex Ovechkin and the bright lights of the Big Apple would be hard to beat in terms of generating excitement.