Most of you probably don't follow hockey (hey, it's your loss, darn it!). But, I'm sure you've probably heard that the Philadelphia Flyers did something historic this past Friday ... coming back from a 3-games-to-nothing series disadvantage, and winning 4-straight games to beat the Boston Bruins in an amazing, historical playoff series. Not only did they win four in a row, but they won the last game in Boston ... not only did they do that, but they came back from a 3-0 deficit in that game to do so.
Folks, this is easily one of the top 10 greatest Philadelphia sporting events I've ever seen. This stuff hardly happens in Philly. Normally, we're on the other side of a playoff series like this, as was evidenced by the Flyers blowing a 3 games-to-one series lead to the hated New Jersey Devils in 2000.
What's probably more amazing is that the Flyers were able to win this series without some of their best players including Jeff Carter (Simon Gagne is basically playing on one leg at this point). Additionally, the Flyers have had 7 goalies on their roster this season ... that's unheard of! Normally, a playoff hockey team needs a franchise goalie to go far in the playoffs (something the Flyers have ignored since letting go of Ron Hextall the first time). The Flyers don't have a franchise goalie - but they apparently don't need one ... either that, or the goalies they have been relying on down the stretch have for some reason been overlooked by every other team in the league.
This team has energized this city ... No, hockey isn't something the majority of Philadelphians follow religiously, but when the Flyers are doing well, the casual fans kick into gear. The city becomes noticeably orange-and-black. I don't mind this - I'm ok with the bandwagon jumpers jumping on the bandwagon.
So, do I think the Flyers can win the Cup? No ... I can't see it happening, especially with the injuries. But, momentum is a funny thing. This team bonded, and they seem to be playing above their skill-level ... sometimes a hot team can do that ... I just don't know how much longer they can keep it up. It's been a great ride, though.
Friday night, I witnessed history ... and I'm still not sure if I believe what I saw ... and if this is all a dream, let me sleep, darn it!
2 comments:
I think they kinda had to lose last night to bring them back to Earth. Ya know? They'll still take the series.
I'll have to get with my "source" this weekend and see how the 'Hawks are doin'...
Post a Comment