The first period of the 2010 Winter Classic is in the books, and I've got to say that this is probably the most exciting Winter Classic to date. 

Despite a significant lack of scoring chances in the first period, it wasn't devoid of action as it was a very up tempo, hard-hitting period that even saw the first fight in Winter Classic history, as Daniel Carcillo got the better of Shawn Thornton in a brief scrap in front of the benches. 

Here are some of my thoughts after the first period:

* Despite the spectacle that is the Winter Classic, it is very apparent that these two teams are playing for an all-important two points.  Not much has been given up and these two teams are hitting and hitting hard early.

* The goalies have been having trouble seeing the puck early on.  Leighton put eye black on after the warm ups, as did Thomas, but it is very apparent that they are fighting their sight lines early.

* The ice is probably the best of any Classic to date.  Despite the worries about it early on in the week, the NHL's ice crew really came through and have made this a spectacular surface for the players.

* Despite the lack of scoring chances, the Flyers have definitely gotten the better of them.  Claude Giroux had a glorious chance early and the Flyers have been picking their spots very well early on.

* The Flyers have shown a great transition game early on.  Some of their best chances have come not from set plays, but in transition coming in from the neutral zone.

It's 0-0 so far, after 20 minutes in the Winter Classic.  We'll be back after the second with more thoughts and the announcement of the US Olympic team as it comes as well.

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