NHL Winter Classic - Flyers, 2 Rangers, 3

For anyone who doesn't know, the Winter Classic takes place every year on New Years Day, (this year it took place on January 2nd as New Years was a Sunday) where two teams play a regular-season hockey game outside in an area built by one of the teams involved. this year it was held in Philadelphia, home of the Philadelphia Flyers and just under 47,000 people showed up to watch!
For me, this year was particularly exciting as i just happen to be a pretty big New York Rangers fan. it is traditional to wear an old-school jersey to Winter Classics, so the Rangers were playing in a traditional sweater design with a modern variation of the logo used in 1926.
I'll keep the summary of this game brief, as i'm sure if you cared enough you would have watched it yourself; it started pretty slowly, both teams playing it reasonably safe with the score 0-0 going into the first intermission. but then they all started to get a bit more confident, and half way through the second period Schenn scored for the Flyers, followed shortly (approx 2 minutes later) by another goal for the Flyers by Giroux. so, half way through the game and the Rangers were two goals down - it was looking grim. however, within minutes Mike Rupp (71) retaliated, halving the Flyers lead and leaving the score at 2-1 going into the second intermission. the third period was where it really got interesting. just a few minutes into the game, Rupp scored again, however this tie didn't last long as shortly after by Brad Richards (19) scored a rebound, giving the Rangers a 3-2 lead.

Lundqvist v Briere
NHL Frozen Moments

It was all heating up now, both teams desperate to win, the puck bouncing from one end to the other again and again, but with no change in the score. for the final minute, Ryan Callahan (24) and Timonen were sent to the box, and the Flyers pulled Bobrovsky, leaving the final 60 seconds a five on four game. despite being a player short, the Rangers still look set to win. with only 40 seconds left to go, there was a mad struggle in front of the Rangers net, the puck almost crossed the line, and probably would have, had it not been for Ryan McDonagh (27) diving behind Henrik Lundqvist (30). however, this inevitably ended in a penalty shot being called, and it all came down to Briere against Lundqvist. it was a tense moment, but Lundqvist made his 33rd save of the game, leaving the Rangers to play out the last 40 seconds and win the Winter Classic 2012.
For me, Lundqvist was the star of this game. although for me, he is the star of most games; he is an extremely talented goal-keep, and my second favourite Rangers player (after Callahan), but today especially he really showed how much his team needs him. i admit, i was worried at first as the team didn't seem quite as together as they previously had, but it turns out that they just needed a little time to get into it.
Thank You Boys, it was a beautiful game...

(now bring on the Stanley Cup!)