Ruydiez
Philadelphia, act III
Posted 1:30 AM ET | Comments 9
Everyone deals with those common, plaguing questions that it seems everyone must ask you. We've all got a memory of being stuck at a party (unfortunately, not the fun, alcohol driven college variety) and having 20+ people ask the same question. What did you study in school? What are you doing with your life? Have you seen Uncle Joe's nosehair?
At first, those questions are easy to answer. History. What I feel like? And yes, he hasn't trimmed it in years.
But once you've heard the same question about twenty times in a night, a hundred times in a life, doesn't it get a bit old? Which brings us to the question that gets fired at me seemingly on a bi-weekly basis these days: Why in the hell do you like the Flyers?
Did I grow up in Philadelphia? Nope. How many times have I been to Philly? Twice. Once when I was 16, and a few weeks ago. That first trip ended in a dismal 0-0 tie with the Lightning, including an injury to Gagne and a nagging flu.. on my birthday. The second time? Witnessing the Flyers down the Capitals, 6-3, in the midst of an exhilirating atmosphere which has been unmatched in my life.
See, it all started with the Beezer. He was my first favorite player, and around the same time I was thoroughly immersed in the Legion of Doom. When Beezer moved to the Flyers, that sealed it. Flyers forever. I won't falter.
Now I find myself writing my first piece on this website, on the eve of yet another trip to Philadelphia. On Monday and Wednesday I will be a part of that crowd. This is my reward, after enduring years of never being able to catch the Flyers in Philly. Let's just say I've never been very popular in the Garden or in the MCI Center (the Verizon Center? I don't feel right calling it that yet). Don't get me started on New Jersey. On a side note, how's that rocking the red working out for you, Washington?
Consider this an introduction, and thanks for reading along. My name is Derek, and I'll be bringing you an outsider's Flyers fan view of games 3 and 4, from the heart of Philly.
I'll leave you with this for now:
Brodeur and Avery should auction off the chance to play golf with them in a foursome. 18 holes, no cameras. Get Bettman on the phone.
At first, those questions are easy to answer. History. What I feel like? And yes, he hasn't trimmed it in years.
But once you've heard the same question about twenty times in a night, a hundred times in a life, doesn't it get a bit old? Which brings us to the question that gets fired at me seemingly on a bi-weekly basis these days: Why in the hell do you like the Flyers?
Did I grow up in Philadelphia? Nope. How many times have I been to Philly? Twice. Once when I was 16, and a few weeks ago. That first trip ended in a dismal 0-0 tie with the Lightning, including an injury to Gagne and a nagging flu.. on my birthday. The second time? Witnessing the Flyers down the Capitals, 6-3, in the midst of an exhilirating atmosphere which has been unmatched in my life.
See, it all started with the Beezer. He was my first favorite player, and around the same time I was thoroughly immersed in the Legion of Doom. When Beezer moved to the Flyers, that sealed it. Flyers forever. I won't falter.
Now I find myself writing my first piece on this website, on the eve of yet another trip to Philadelphia. On Monday and Wednesday I will be a part of that crowd. This is my reward, after enduring years of never being able to catch the Flyers in Philly. Let's just say I've never been very popular in the Garden or in the MCI Center (the Verizon Center? I don't feel right calling it that yet). Don't get me started on New Jersey. On a side note, how's that rocking the red working out for you, Washington?
Consider this an introduction, and thanks for reading along. My name is Derek, and I'll be bringing you an outsider's Flyers fan view of games 3 and 4, from the heart of Philly.
I'll leave you with this for now:
Brodeur and Avery should auction off the chance to play golf with them in a foursome. 18 holes, no cameras. Get Bettman on the phone.
I love your introduction. I laughed out loud. It must be hard to be a Flyers fan in another city. I bet you take alot of heat. Predictions for tonight's game? I'd say that Prospal is due for a goal. Im calling 4-3 Flyers. You?
I often wonder that as well about how people outside of the area, starts to root for a team miles away. I for one, live in Delaware, about 30 min outside of Philly so my loyalty is within the bounds of the city. Plus, I enjoy the fact that Philadelphia houses all major sports in the same area. Great sports venue. Nice blog!!!
I try to make it a practice to not predict the scores of individual games that involve teams I like, because it always seems to jinx them. Prospal is definitely due, but I'm keeping my eye on Richards. I think he wants to taste the back of the net. Thanks for the comment.
I've been dealing with it my whole life. I live in Terrace , BC , Canada. That is the northwest of BC for the many of you who won't know. Much of my family was born in Smithers BC. A 2 hour drive from Terrace. Smithers has strong roots with the Flyers. The Watson brothers are from there and were actually neighbours with my mom back on the farm.While the rest of my family cheers for the Canucks and Oilers (my dad was born in Edmonton) I remain loyal to the Bullies. I always will be! No matter who plays for the team or who they trade away, I bleed Orange and Black!Flyers should be up 2-0 in this series. The Habs can thank the refs for game one! The Flyers seem to be able to control the tempo of the game and have had Biron bail them out when needed. Biron is outplaying Price. Flyers could take this series in a few more games if they keep up the good work from games 1 and 2.Prospal is due and he really needs to elevate his play in this series. With Hartnell back on his line with Briere I believe that will happen. Even if Prospal doesn't score a goal, he should be able to pick up an assist or two.Flyers in 6!
I'd say the Habs can more thank Jeff Carter's stick for breaking on the faceoff, and Kovalev for having a nasty wrist shot. That was definitely a week kneeing call on Richards, and you hate to see refs have such an impact on the game, but.. it seems to be happening all over these playoffs.If the Flyers can feed off the energy of the home crowd, (and let's be honest, who can't feed off the energy provided by Hart, Smith, and ~19,500 flyers fans) they should be in good shape to take control of the series. If they stay away from dumb penalties and Biron keeps up his stellar play, I'll be one happy guy.
Nice job Jackal, I am a Flyers fan living in NC so I feel your pain. Although I am from Delaware to start. For those of you who don't know, phi1671 will agree with me, the state of DE is basically a suburb of Philly. I look forward to your recaps.
Just what we need. Another constant Flyers update.Good job Derek.
You know you love it, Josh.
Yeah good point...I spend more time in Philly then DE....LOL