Some people are going to be very fortunate to say that that was their first home playoff hockey game.
Others even more lucky to say it was their first hockey game period
And if you missed the energy in the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, I’m so sorry for you.
The return of the Broad Street Bullies
The Philadelphia Flyers ignited more than just orange Wednesday night when they took on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL playoffs. The Flyers entered this game up 2-0, possibly ensuring a sweep at home.
And what else would the Flyers do than just completely engulf the spirit of the Broad Street Bully.
The first period was a snooze fest with a hint of tension. It’s a Pennsylvania battle so there’s going to be something in the air.
The Penguins took an early lead and the Flyers took an early beating from the refs – and you know Philly fans weren’t happy. You might think a casual “Ref, you suck!” chant is crazy, but cursing a whole city? Give these lawless creatures more home playoff games in the City of Brotherly Love.
Second period was a prime example of FOMO. If you weren’t there live, you were missing out.
The tension I was talking about earlier? Oh it came to a boiling point fast.
A melee broke out when Flyers’ Travis Konecny elbowed Penguins’ Bryan Rust in the face behind the Penguins net. Rust started punching Konecny, later, Konecny tried to kick Rust. When all was said and done – and about 10 minutes later – 11 players made their way to the penalty box. They all received two minutes, except for Rust who was hit with four.
Flyers’ Trevor Zegras took the momentum when they returned to the ice, scoring on the power play.
Noah Cates, Nick Seeler, Owen Tippett and Rasmus Ristolainen rounded out the 5-2 victory.
Can’t-miss atmosphere
Despite the playoff atmosphere – crisp, by the way – fans weren’t really locked in at first. Not until 11:52 to go in the second.
Something about that fight turned the tension in the air to control for the Flyers – and energy for the fans. It didn’t matter after the 11 players hit the box. After that fight, you knew the Flyers were scoring.
The fans were locked into the game, almost as if the fans were the missing teammate to secure a win. This is a team that has literally beaten other teams to win. Tonight should be no shock.
In fact, a popular moment from the evening occurred when Gritty, the Flyers’ interesting mascot, literally beat up Iceberg, the Penguins mascot. Next thing you knew, Iceberg was on the floor. Gritty picked up Iceberg (at this point a hollow costume, both literally and metaphorically) and threw him over the 202 section.
Gritty was also banging drums, interrupting livestreams during the block party, and all around bringing the chaotic energy this city might’ve needed tonight.
The Flyers do it all again Saturday night, April 25, at 8 p.m. in the Xfinity Mobile Arena for a (somewhat) must-win game.
Leave a Reply