Shrapnel - 1/1/12

Happy New Year!

We hope you had a nice evening last night before waking up to put some pork and sauerkraut in the crock pot and address your hangover.

In Philly, a sellout crowd came down to the Winter Classic alumni game, where Bernie Parent lead the Flyers to a 3-1 win, but the biggest victories were the great experience for the fans, the fantastic game, and most important, the return of Dan Blackburn. I'll be honest, I didn't remember Blackburn, but once I was re-acquainted with his story I was rooting for him all afternoon.

Over at Strait-Jackets, Katy breaks down the final Falcons homestand of 2011, while Rob got some pre-game quotes at Jackets Report and DBJ welcomed Jason Chimera back to town.

Puck Daddy named their alternative 2011 hockey awards, Team USA's tournament is on it's way to a frustrating end at the World Juniors, while Bourne looks at the morality play vs the kids just having fun.

Backhand Shelf has the Jackets in a nutshell: Of all the Charlie Browns,they're the Charlie Brown-iest.

Some ugliness in Florida as Krys Barch was ejected from the Panther's game vs. Montreal for allegedly using a racial slur while tangling with P.K. Subban, while it appears the wheel of justice may be back in use.

Bob Hunter had some year end awards, and the one he's reserving for Craig Patrick is telling.

Finally, the part you're not looking forward to, yet looking forward to: The recaps of last night's game. You can pick your poison from the Dispatch, DBJ, Strait Jackets, Puck-Rakers, Martini Hockey, and our own take.

We hope your 2012 brings better things than 2011, and that you enjoy a happy holiday with your family.