steal_your_faceoff

"All Geeked-Up for the Deadline..."

Newtown Square, PA • United States • 45 Years Old • Male

Flyers: First Place by a 2 3/8 Inches

Flyers: First Place by a 2 3/8"

Just ask any goalie...the post is part of the equipment. Flyers fans are pretty happy for that belief. The left post of Antero Niittymaki lifted the Flyers into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division with 65 points.


(Click on me)

For those of you unable to read the dimensions of an NHL regulation goal post, found in the drawing above, please contact Antero Niittymaki. He should be able to tell you. It saved his bacon last night versus the Southeast Division leading Atlanta Thrashers.

The width of a regulation goal post is 2 3/8" O.D. This schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe was all that stood between a hair-on-fire, disorganized and downright lucky 3rd period escape from Hotlanta with two points and a demoralizing, potential loss.

Steve Downie boke a 2-2 tie and put the Flyers in a position to win the game on an improbable one-time, 3-iron shot on a bouncing puck late in the 3rd period of last night's game. The Flyers' bad boy nailed the shot, off a nice feed from Scott Harnell, and rocketed it between the legs of a stunned Kari Lehtonen.

Don't celebrate yet, people.

Only half a minute later, perennial All-Star, Marian Hossa dislodged the puck from underneath a pile, that included a sprawled out Antero Niittymaki, and headed for the right side of the goalmouth. The ever dangerous Hossa, slipped free and snapped a shot that rang off Nitty's left-hand post and came out at a crazy angle. The non-goal was reviewed and upheld - whew! Until the horn sounded, the Flyboys were running around in their own zone while the Thrash put rubber on net like it was a shooting gallery. A few really nice glove saves in close by Niittymaki, and that post, prevented Atlanta from getting at least a point.

I've never really considered a 2 3/8" length of galvanized steel pipe worthy of affection, until last night. But...I think a Valentine's card might be in order.

I think, however, it is quite plausible that I might get pushed out of the way by Mr. Niittymaki - encumbered with roses, chocolates and a huge card for his new big toe and bestest buddy - his left post.




Phlyer Phacts:

* The Flyers scored two powerplay goals to maintain their league leading scoring binge on the man advantage.

* Mike Knuble continued his red-hot February play as he potted his 20th of the season and fourth goal in two games. Knubs leads the team in powerplay goals with 13.

* Not to be outdone, Mr. Everything, Mike Richards, had an assist and scored his 22nd goal of the season on the powerplay. The future Captain increased his team leading tallies for goals (22), assists (37) and points with 59.

* Antero Niittymaki, and his post, picked up their 10th win of the season.

Game on!

The Flyers, and their four foot tall left post, take on the league's one-man wrecking crew and leading scorer in Alexander Ovechkin as the Flyers play host to the Washington Capitals, tonight. AO has 45 goals and 72 points to lead the NHL in those catagories. Flyers win a hard fought 5-3 victory, Ovechkin lights the lamp twice and the Flyers come within a hair of the Conference leading Ottawa Senators with their 67th point.

The New Jersey Devils, two points behind the Flyers, take on the suddenly streaking Buffalo Sabres - 4-0-1 in their last five games. The Devils have the uncharacteristic chance to sweep this season series from the Sabres for the first time in a decade. Sabs get off the schide and win a close 4-3 victory. Watch out for Jason Pominville.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Get your the foil on, boys...and the best game you can name,
Is the good old Hockey game! (I can hear you singing)

Thanks for reading...

SYF

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment.