Live blog from the 2014 Winter Classic:
In a battle of two struggling teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs face off against the Detroit Red Wings in the 2014 edition of the Winter Classic. Fresh off a seven year contract extension worth 49 million dollars, Dion Phaneuf leads the Leafs into action in the New Year’s day clash.
Coming off a 41-save appearance, Jonathan Bernier gets the nod in net for Toronto. He’s suiting up for his fourth consecutive start in goal, the first time this season he has gotten an extended string of starts.
“I found out before practice,” Bernier said. “Obviously, it’s great. It’s great that he gave me the nod, and being part of this whole history is pretty amazing.”
This year has been the first in which the new Leafs net-minder has seen consistent playing time and he says that regular shifts are having a positive effect.
“I haven’t been playing much in the last three years, and I just want to feel good about myself and feel good with my health and mentally be fresh,” Bernier said. “That is probably the biggest adjustment for me. When you don’t play a lot, you don’t really need to take care of your body as much. And lately I felt that groove that I need to do my routine and feel ready for every game.”
Across the ice, Jimmy Howard will be suiting up for his second consecutive start for the Red Wings after returning from injury on Monday. He allowed five goals on 28 shots in his first game back but Detroit coach Mike Babcock says he has confidence in the incumbent starter.
“The great thing about him is he’s always been good,” Babcock said. “He usually bounces back good. We couldn’t score enough last night. That’s just the way the game is sometimes.”
Toronto will try to redeem the Leafs of past after their alumni team lost 5-4 in a shootout against the former Detroit greats.
The Leafs have won their past two games, getting a boost from the return of top centre, Tyler Bozak. Meanwhile, Detroit is coming off a 6-4 loss to the Nashville Predators.
More than 100,000 fans are expected to fill The Big House for the Wednesday afternoon affair. It’s expected to be the largest attendance in the history of NHL games.
-With files from The Canadian Press
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