Another one for the history books

When I entered the Wachovia Center last Friday to watch Game 4 of the 2nd round in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Flyers were down 0-3 against the Boston Bruins. It was crazy that I was even at a playoff game. But the night before, I heard Howard Eskin say that they were practically giving tickets away. Section 113, Row 13, Seat 5=$79 (a $140 face-value). Done. Hey, if they lost, at least I got to witness a playoff game, in person, and give the Fly Boys a standing O at the end of the game for a great season.

But an overtime goal by the newly returned Simon Gagne changed that in a heartbeat. Flyers win game 5. Flyers win game 6. Tied? Only the 6th team in NHL history to come back to tie a series.

That's it's the best of 7, my friend.

Cut to tonight, about halfway through the first period, we are down...3-0, thanks to 2 stupid penalties from Scottie Hartnell and Daniel Briere. History repeating itself? I'd say so. Then, a spark by James van Riemsdyk. And then 3 more goals, one from each penalized culprits, Hartnell and Briere, (I forgive you!) and a perfect 2nd and 3rd period by a flawless Michael Leighton.

For all of you who watched tonight, you witnessed one for the history books. Sports enthusiasts will write about the 2009-2010 Flyers as coming back from the dead and the 2009-2010 Boston Bruins' epic collapse.

What a difference a week makes.

Jump on the bandwagon, my friends. You going to like the rest of the ride.

Fly Guys to play in the Winter Classic

While most of the National Hockey League (NHL) teams are “green” with envy, the Flyers will be playing against the Boston Bruins in the 2010 Winter Classic at one of the most famous ballparks in the United States, Fenway Park.

The official proclamation was announced today that the Fly guys would be traveling up to “Beantown” after days of speculation and rumors that this very match-up would take place. Probably the worst kept secret in hockey, unless you consider Wayne Gretzkey’s involvement in the Rick Tocchet gambling scandal in 2006.

For those of you who don’t know, the Winter Classic is an NHL game played on New Year’s Day outdoors since 2008. Past battles include the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Buffalo Sabers and the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Detroit Red Wings. The location of this game is a far cry from the arena hockey American fans are used to.

The Flyers are no stranger to the Bruins, having beaten them in the 1974 Stanley Cup Championship Series. This promises to be a bonified classic and a game that this girly Flyers fan has been waiting for since this mid-season classic’s inception.

What’s that? You want my predictions? The Flyers will win, of course! Just kidding… It is way too early to predict anything. It all depends on how the teams look in training camp, then how healthy the core players stay throughout the beginning of the season. It also depends on their record. I mean who knows? Dare I say it… the Flyers could pull another disaster like the 2006-2007 season – the worst season in franchise history.

Let’s just hope they all make it to the Winter Classic in one piece and kick some Bruins butt!