Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty Images
It's the worst-kept secret in hockey, but multiple outlets are confirming that next season's Winter Classic will indeed take place on January 2 in Philadelphia (presumably at Citizens Bank Park), pitting the Flyers against the Rangers. (It'll take place a day later this time around, so as not to conflict with Week 17 NFL games on New Year's Day.) Better still: Larry Brooks tweets that the lead-up to the game will once again be chronicled on HBO's 24/7, which is nearly as exciting as news of the game itself. The official confirmation is expected when the league releases its 2011–12 schedule, which could happen as soon as tomorrow. [NYT, NYP]