We're only 10 hours into 2021, but the new year is bringing all kinds of surprises, like a fascinating new series of outdoor NHL games.
And the Flyers are reportedly involved.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the league is holding a two-day, two-game outdoor showcase at Lake Tahoe on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, and the Flyers are one of the four teams involved in the series. Yes, really!
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NBC10 Philadelphia has since confirmed the report.
From Sportsnet's report:
"According to multiple sources, the NHL is beginning its Mystery, Alaska experiment, with four teams as part of a unique two-game, two-day “Outdoor Weekend” showcase at Lake Tahoe. Edgewood Tahoe Resort, home of the popular celebrity golf tournament, is hosting these games, which will be played around the 16th, 17th and 18th holes.
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NHL
"It is, at this point, a one-year project, but if it works, the NHL may consider making off-beat, “natural wilderness,” picturesque locations a regular occurrence. Whatever the case, this has a chance to be a special look in a challenging season."
Jeez, that sounds amazing.
The Flyers will face the Bruins and the other game in the showcase will be the Avalanche vs. the Golden Knights, according to Sportsnet.
Considering the outdoorsy roots of the game, any time the NHL can put a hockey game outside, it should do so. And putting the game in new locales is a definite plus, particularly when they're as gorgeous as Lake Tahoe.
Here's a view from the Edgewood Tahoe Resort Golf Course on Google Maps, for reference:
Yeah, that sort of backdrop will do just fine.
The orange and black have been involved in four outdoor games in franchise history: a 2-1 loss to the Bruins in the 2010 Winter Classic, a 3-2 loss to the Rangers in the 2012 Winter Classic, a 4-2 loss to the Penguins in the 2017 Stadium Series, and a 4-3 win over the Penguins in the 2019 Stadium Series.
The Flyers open the regular season Jan. 13 at home against the Penguins. Buckle up.
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