The chill in the air, the sound of skates gliding over fresh ice, and the iconic MetLife Stadium serving as the backdrop—this was the setting as the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers took to the rink for a series of practice sessions in preparation for the NHL's much-anticipated Stadium Series. Embracing the spirit of outdoor hockey, each team seized the opportunity not only to familiarize themselves with the unique conditions but also to capture the moment in group photos before enjoying family skating sessions on the pristine ice.
Preparing for the Big Game
The Philadelphia Flyers, geared up for their upcoming clash against the New Jersey Devils set for Saturday night, used the practice session to acclimate to the rink. Flyers' coach, John Tortorella, expressed his satisfaction with the condition of the ice and was optimistic about further improvements, setting a confident tone for his team. "I thought it was really good, and I think they feel it's going to be better tomorrow," Tortorella remarked, underlining the importance of adapting to the outdoor conditions for the game ahead.
A Divisional Rivalry on Display
The practice sessions saw the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils adjust to the outdoor setting, with the Devils wrapping up their session approximately 20 minutes sooner than their counterparts. Standing at the helm of the division, the Rangers find themselves in a tight race, while the Flyers hold their ground in third place. The Devils, alongside the Islanders, are on the cusp of the last playoff spot, making every game critical as the season progresses.
Jacob Trouba, the Rangers' defenseman, lightened the mood with a jest about the team's record in outdoor games, suggesting they might need a "new coach" to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, Adam Fox, a native of Long Island and a defender for the Rangers, shared his anticipation for playing at MetLife Stadium. Having attended a New York Giants game earlier in the year, Fox is eager for a different outcome on the ice. "I’m really looking forward to it," he said, hoping the hockey game can bring some hometown glory.
Embracing the Outdoor Experience
For Flyers' forward Cam Atkinson, the Stadium Series marks his inaugural outdoor NHL game—an experience he's been eagerly awaiting. "I’ve always dreamed of playing in one of these,” Atkinson shared, embodying the excitement that surrounds the unique event.
Lindy Ruff, head coach of the Devils, reminded his team of the dual nature of the outdoor games—enjoying the moment while keeping the stakes in mind. With every game against a higher-ranked team being pivotal for the Devils' playoff hopes, Ruff’s advice was clear: savor the spotlight, but remember the importance of the outcome.
Brendan Smith, reflecting on his own experiences, encouraged players to truly appreciate the outdoor game's distinct ambience. Highlighting outdoor games as among his most cherished moments, Smith's sentiments spoke to the unique combination of professional competition and sheer joy that defines such events. "They’re special. You just soak it all in," Smith advised, capturing the essence of what makes the Stadium Series a highlight of the NHL calendar.
As the teams take the ice at MetLife Stadium, each player, coach, and fan is reminded of the rich history and tradition of outdoor hockey. From the festive atmosphere to the competitive spirit, the NHL's Stadium Series stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the game, played under the open sky. Whether it's the pursuit of playoff positioning or the thrill of participating in a storied outdoor spectacle, the Stadium Series encapsulates the passion, camaraderie, and drive that is the heart of hockey.