Where They Are: Well the Flyers did the Blueshirts a huge favour already by beating the Panthers on Tuesday. The Garden roared when the 2-1 final score was posted as did the Wachovia Center as the victory sealed a playoff spot for the orange and black with three games to go - Thursday at the Garden, Saturday against the Isles and Sunday at home against the Rangers. They aren't about to be complacent as they are tied with the Canes for the fourth spot in the conference - home ice.
Who To Watch For: Jeff Carter has 45 goals. Can you believe that? Jeff freakin Carter. The guy Flyer fans were ready to ditch after RJ Umberger had a great playoff last season. Mike Richards - he of the 3-on-5 shortie - is always dangerous and rookie Claude Giroux has proved to be quite the offensive threat. And you can never count out Arron Asham and Scott Hartnell, who both seem to step up their games against the Rangers. Last time the two teams played they were kept quiet and the Rangers won 4-1 ... What To Watch For: Rozy and Borat both played hard against the Habs but you could clearly tell that both were still hurting from their injuries. Will the day off improve their conditions significantly enough for them to contribute more? Antropov seemed able to fight through his soreness and scored a huge goal but Rozy was clearly still skating gingerly.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Philly is 26-2-6 (!!) when Carter scores so hopefully we will see him kept off the scoresheet. Colton Orr to prove his usefulness again and beat the living hell out of cementhead Cote while keeping crazy Carcillo in line. Oh, and the Garden to one day do a deal like Wachovia had for the Florida game - Dollar Pretzel Night. Since that isn't likely to ever happen (Dolan loves his profit margin) I guess we can settle for a playoff atmosphere hopefully devoid of orange idiots.
Also Check Out: Flyer Files is a decent MSM blog and Mirtle managed to get himself a Broad Street bum to do a blog over at SBN.
Title: Peepin' Foes: Philadelphia Flyers - A Rivalry Renewed
Introduction
In the world of professional sports, few rivalries are as intense and historic as the one between the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. The mere mention of this rivalry sends chills down the spines of fans on both sides. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the rivalry between the Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers, exploring its history, the key moments that defined it, and addressing some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this classic clash.
The Roots of the Rivalry
The Rangers-Flyers rivalry traces its roots back to the earliest days of the National Hockey League (NHL). Both teams are members of the Original Six expansion era, and their first meeting on October 18, 1967, set the stage for what would become a fierce and enduring rivalry.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
The Broad Street Bullies Era: In the 1970s, the Flyers gained a reputation as the "Broad Street Bullies" for their physical and aggressive style of play. This era included memorable brawls and confrontations with the Rangers, creating a heated rivalry.
1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup Finals: The Rangers and Flyers met in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 1974 and 1975. The Flyers won both series, cementing their dominance over their rivals.
The Penalty Shot Goal: One of the most iconic moments in Rangers-Flyers history occurred on April 8, 1980, when Ron Duguay scored a penalty shot goal against the Flyers' Phil Myre in the playoffs. This moment is etched in Rangers lore.
Flyers Fans' Infamous "Potvin Sucks" Chant: Rangers defenseman Denis Potvin became a target of Flyers fans' ire, leading to the creation of the famous "Potvin Sucks" chant, which endures to this day in NHL arenas.
Winter Classic and Outdoor Rivalry Games: The Rangers and Flyers have faced off in several outdoor games, including the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. These games capture the essence of the rivalry on a grand stage.
FAQs About the Rangers-Flyers Rivalry
Why is the Rangers-Flyers rivalry so intense?
The rivalry is intense due to the historical competition between the two teams, including playoff matchups and memorable moments. The close proximity of the two cities adds to the intensity.
What are some famous brawls in this rivalry?
The rivalry has seen its fair share of brawls, including bench-clearing altercations. Notable brawls include the 1974 preseason brawl and the "Good Friday Massacre" in 1984.
Who are some legendary players from this rivalry?
Legendary players from the rivalry include Bobby Clarke and Bernie Parent for the Flyers and Mark Messier and Mike Richter for the Rangers, among others.
Has the intensity of the rivalry changed over the years?
While the intensity of any rivalry can ebb and flow, the Rangers-Flyers rivalry remains strong, with each game carrying significant weight for fans and players alike.
Are there any traditions associated with this rivalry?
Traditions include chants, signs, and rituals by fans of both teams. The "Potvin Sucks" chant by Flyers fans and the singing of "The Rangers Victory Song" are notable examples.
The Modern Era
In recent years, the Rangers-Flyers rivalry has continued to evolve. Both teams have undergone changes in leadership and player rosters, but the intensity of their matchups remains. The rivalry adds a layer of excitement to the regular season and creates memorable moments for fans on both sides.
The rivalry between the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers is a testament to the enduring passion and intensity of sports rivalries. It's a rivalry steeped in history, defined by legendary players, iconic moments, and unwavering fan loyalty. For fans of both teams, facing off against their bitter rivals is a highlight of the NHL season, and the anticipation of each matchup is palpable. As long as the Rangers and Flyers take the ice, this classic rivalry will continue to captivate and electrify hockey fans, ensuring that Peepin' Foes: Philadelphia Flyers remains a cherished tradition in the world of sports.
No comments:
Post a Comment