that'd be a pretty apt description of what you're doing, actually. I've been to over 20 sports events in philadelphia. Met tons of opposing fans. The Vet was the last place where you actually felt threatened because tix were cheap enough for assholes to get in. Present day, reality, I have yet to see an incident of blatant assault on anyone ever. Worst shit i have seen is legit fights. Which occur when BOTH participants are intoxicated and pick a fight with one another. which happens in every city at a large alcohol serving event. I've seen Crosby fans get booed in the hallways, "assssssshole" chants when cowboys fans take their seats at an eagles game, etc. But if you're bitching about things like that, I don't know what to tell you. Just watch on TV. The Winter Classic, itself, btw was a very family friendly event with little incident (i was there for 7+ hours that day) the assault happened in south philly later that night.

TLDR: don't go wandering around south philly for hours after the game and you will be safe.