By David Strehle
NHL Hot Stove Managing Editor

After much speculation, the Flyers official roster for the Winter Classic Alumni team was announced today.  While the goaltending spots leave something to be desired – Little played all of two games in the Orange-and-Black, and LaForest 38 during the late-80′s – the lineup is packed with stars and Hall-of-Famers.  The famed LCB line (Bob Clarke, Bill Barber, and Reggie Leach), Mark Howe, Eric Lindros, Jeremy Roenick, John LeClair, and Mark Recchi head the list.

Also of note are players from the Stanley Cup teams of the 70′s – Orest Kindrachuk, Bob Kelly, Joe Watson, and Larry Goodenough, as well as off-ice ambassadors Bernie Parent, Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, and Don Saleski – several from the 80′s teams that produced two Cup-finalists – Howe, Rick Tocchet, captain Dave Poulin, Brian Propp, Kjell Samuelsson, and Brad Marsh - and two-thirds of the “Legion of Doom” line of the 90′s with Lindros and LeClair (Mikael Renberg unfortunately had a previous engagement).

Pat Quinn, who guided the 1979-80 squad to an NHL-record 35 game unbeaten streak and the Finals in the same year, will be the head coach.

Keith Primeau, who can not suit up for the game because of lingering affects due to concussions that forced his premature retirement, will participate as an assistant coach.

Here’s the Flyers official press release with the entire list:

FLYERS ANNOUNCE ROSTER FOR ALUMNI GAME VS. NEW YORK RANGERS AT CITIZENS BANK PARK ON DEC. 31

The Philadelphia Flyers, in conjunction with the National Hockey League, today announced their roster for the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Alumni Game, to be played on the outdoor ice surface at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, December 31 at 1 p.m.

“It gives me great pleasure to see so many of our great alumni come back to play in this historic game at Citizens Bark Park,” said Comcast-Spectacor Chairman and Flyers founder Ed Snider. “It truly is a remarkable gathering of many of the greatest players to ever wear the orange and black. It will be a thrill for all of us to see these greats back on the ice one more time on December 31. I cannot wait!”

“This game will be a celebration of more than 45 years of Philadelphia Flyers hockey, as this alumni team represents nearly every major accomplishment in our history,” said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. “It is a dream come true for Flyers fans everywhere to see many of our greatest players assembled for this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

The roster represents 41 years of Flyers hockey history, ranging from original Flyer Joe Watson to center Jim Dowd and defenseman Derian Hatcher, both of whom last played for the Flyers in 2007-08.  Six of the franchise’s Stanley Cup finalist squads are represented, including the 1979-80 team, which established a 35-game unbeaten streak that has never been equaled.   

In terms of on-ice accomplishments, this is one of the most significant gatherings of alumni in Flyers history.  It includes three members of the Hockey Hall of Fame (Bob Clarke, Bill Barber and Mark Howe).  Seven of the franchise’s top eight all-time leading scorers are participating, as well as three of the top five all-time leading scorers among defensemen.  It also includes the top eight players all-time in games played for the Flyers.   

The group of players and coaching staff includes 16 individuals who have represented the Flyers at the NHL All-Star Game, with a combined 57 appearances in the All-Star Game or the events that replaced them on two occasions (NHL Challenge Cup in 1979 and Rendezvous ’87).  Those involved in the event who played for the Flyers appeared in a total of 13,276 games for the club, and are responsible for 3,602 goals and 5,716 assists for 9,304 points, along with 14,254 penalty minutes.  That is nearly one-third of all goals (31.3%), assists (29.9%) and points (30.4%) scored in Flyers history. 

If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter – @David_Strehle

By David Strehle
NHL Hot Stove Managing Editor

It would seem safe to say that with a rash of injuries to several key players, the Philadelphia Flyers have officially gone through their first bout with adversity in the new season.

Among the wounded was defenseman Chris Pronger, who first took to the practice ice on November 4th in his recovery from a nasty eye injury.  Less than a week later, he may just be ready to return to game action. 

It is probable that the captain will be activated from injured reserve today, in time to play against the Lightning tonight in Tampa Bay.

Grabovski shoots the puck - follow through clips Pronger. (Photo credit: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

On October 24th, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski took a shot that Pronger stepped in front of to block.  As Grabovski followed through on his shot, his stick came up and clipped Pronger along the outer edge of his right eye.

It was a horrifying scene, as Pronger flailed and immediately skated off the ice while blood dripped from the hand he was holding to the area.

“I mean, it could have been a lot worse,” the 37-year-old blueliner said in a conference call on October 29th.  ”I don’t know if I feel lucky getting hit, but it certainly could have been a lot worse.  We have seen a lot worse instances.”

He couldn’t be more on the money. 

Hockey has seen devastating eye injuries throughout the years.  Included in that group are defenseman Bryan Berard, who was actually able to return, even after losing most of the sight in one eye.  

The Flyers have had their share of on-ice tragedies, seeing eye injuries end the careers of defenseman Barry Ashbee and goaltender Bernie Parent.  Ian Laperriere also was struck in the eye with a slap shot during the club’s 2010 run to the Stanley Cup Finals, and the resulting skull fracture and concussion ended his career, as well.

There is no question that Pronger’s injury could have been much worse.

GM Paul Holmgren said that he would ensure that his defender will be wearing a visor on his helmet when he returns, but Pronger is, to say the least, a strong personality, one who is completely and totally set in his ways.

When asked about how he felt about the issue of wearing the face shield, his response made the answer obvious, even if he technically didn’t want to answer.

“You don’t want to know my stance,” he grumbled.  “That’s for another day.”

Well, that day is apparently here, so it will be interesting to see if his helmet will include the additional protection or not.

Philadelphia lost the first two games sans Pronger, and did so in ugly fashion.  They gave up 14 goals in the pair of losses, including nine to the Winnipeg Jets in a 9-8 horror on home ice.

While the visor issue is unclear, one thing that is crystal clear, though, is what he believes the team needs to do to continue to be successful.

“I think our attention to detail in our own zone, and making sure we do all the little things that allow you to win hockey games,” he said about his team’s play.  “We need to get back to that.”

The Flyers have done a much better job in their own zone since the atrocious defensive effort against Winnipeg, posting a 3-0-1 record in the four games since.  In those four contests, Philly yielded just eight goals.

As a matter of fact, the one area of concern coming into this year has been just fine.  When Mike Richards and Jeff Carter were dealt in the summer, almost the entirety of Flyers Nation wondered just who would score goals for this team.

But in 14 games this year, Philly has racked up an NHL-leading 56 goals.  The Washington Capitals are second with 50 (in 13 games). 

In an era of decreased scoring totals, averaging four goals per game is an incredible feat, and one the Flyers have achieved by committee.  As an example, there were eight different goal scorers wearing Orange-and-Black in their 9-2 drubbing of the hapless Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.

While the team survived without Pronger, there were some areas that suffered greatly.

The Flyers were successful on just two of their 28 man advantage opportunities during Pronger’s six game absence.  Without Pronger’s big shot from the point, the power play was as ineffective as it was during last season, when he missed 32 contests with four major injuries.

Another is how many shots on goal the club is allowing on goaltenders Ilya Bryzgalov and Sergei Bobrovsky.  In each of the past two games, Philadelphia’s opponent has fired 21 shots on Flyers’ netminders in just one period.  The unforced turnovers have become epidemic at times, and the Flyers have found themselves pinned in their own zone for long stretches as a result.

With 21 shots being a number that Peter Laviolette would probably be much more pleased seeing over the course of an entire game, that’s an area that will have to improve greatly.

And there’s no reason to think otherwise, except for the fact that the defense was still yielding too many scoring chances even before Pronger left the lineup.

If Pronger were to be inserted back into the lineup tonight, the timing couldn’t be any better.  Erik Gustafsson, who was recalled from the Adirondack Phantoms to replace Pronger after the eye injury, is likely out for at least a week with a wrist injury, according to Teemu H. of Euroflyers / Broadstreet Hockey.  The rookie had played very well in his stint with the Flyers, looking more steady than some of the veterans had in the same games.  Included in Gustafsson’s resume’ was a game-high +6 rating on Saturday against Columbus.

As for Pronger’s demeanor, it should be noted that he seems like the same warm, fuzzy guy that we have all come to know and love.

CSNPhilly’s Tim Panaccio tweeted yesterday that Pronger, or as he calls him, ”Captain Warmth”, came into his interview wearing a “Go Screw Yourself” t-shirt.

It’s good to know that his edge is still well in place, which is excellent news for the team when he plays in front of their own net.

The Flyers are lucky they were only without Pronger for a six-game stretch.  For everyone involved, it could have been much more serious.  The club survived the time without their leader, and it appears that they will have him back soon.

Maybe even tonight.

If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter – @David_Strehle

By David Strehle
NHL Hot Stove Managing Editor

Home ice has been one of the trademark advantages for the Philadelphia Flyers through the years.  Just look up the 1975-76 season and see what the team accomplished.  In 40 games, the Broad Street Bullies went 36-2-2 - garnering 74 out of a possible 80 points – while scoring 205 goals, and yielding just 79.

Now that is what you call dominance.

Those were the days of Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Reggie Leach, Bernie Parent, and company.

While the parity the League enjoys nowadays will likely prevent those types of numbers from ever occuring again, there still needs to be some kind of fear put into opponents when they come into your building.

That has not been the case since late last season, as home for the Flyers has not been so sweet.

The club stumbled badly down the stretch last year, especially on home ice.  The Orange-and-Black won only three of their last 13 (3-5-5) regular season contests at the suddenly not-so-friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center. 

The skid dropped Philadelphia from contending for the Eastern Conference title, and nearly cost them the Atlantic Division crown.  If not for rallying on the last day of the regular season to defeat the visiting New York Islanders, 7-4, the Pittsburgh Penguins would have claimed the division championship.

But the team didn’t fare much better in the playoffs, as they sported a 2-4 record in front of the home fans when it mattered the most.

Part of the perceived problems with team chemistry led to Mike Richards and Jeff Carter being dealt, and forwards Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk being given more responsibility and leadership roles with the club.

Ilya Bryzgalov was brought in to man the Philly crease by order of Ed Snider, as the area between the pipes had been a sore spot for far too long.

A change of faces, a new mix with which Peter Laviolette can work.  

But this season hasn’t been much better, as the Flyers have won just two of their first six (2-3-1) games on home ice. 

That makes the club’s record an awful 7-12-6 (playoff totals included) in the past 25 contests on home ice since being blanked, 1-0,  by Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings on February 13th, 2010.

There is another game that stands out from last season that underlines the decline of Philadelphia’s play at home.

If the November 18th 8-7 home defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning was possibly any indication of the trouble that lied ahead for the team over the remainder of the year, then last night’s 9-8 embarassment against the Winnipeg Jets should set off all kinds of bells and whistles for both Paul Holmgren and Laviolette.

While much of the Flyers’ early-season struggles – including those at home – have been blamed on the tremendous amount of new faces – and the amount of rookies in the lineup - brought in over the summer, and the need to find some sort of a team chemistry.

It should be noted that a majority of the mistakes that are being made time and time again are by the club’s veteran leaders, while the rookies have actually been pretty solid.

Many say the ongoing goaltending woes are due to ”The Curse of Pelle Lindbergh“, so could the Flyers’ play at home be something along the lines of “The Curse of the Spectrum”?  The horrible showing at the Wells Fargo Center began right about the same time that, right across the parking lot, the site of the franchise’s greatest triumphs met its ultimate demise via the wrecking ball.

Coincidence?  Maybe, maybe not.  But it seems like for right now, this club could use a nice, long road trip to sort some things out.

If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter – @David_Strehle

By David Strehle
NHL Hot Stove NHL / Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent

For as long as many in the Philadelphia hockey community can remember, the Flyers have had a weak spot at arguably the most critical position in all of professional sports.

That one area of weakness is within the blue paint in the club’s goal crease, and more specifically, the player that occupies that spot.  Long ignored by the Orange-and-Black, the irony of it all is substantial.

Here was a team that had won two Stanley Cups in the mid-70′s on the back of one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game – Bernie Parent - and for the past two decades continually built a team with a devastating arsenal of forwards and a capable defense.  But they treated the crease as nothing more than an afterthought.

Another facet of the story that I could never get my mind around is the fact that the very architect of those Flyers’ clubs – Bob Clarke - was a teammate of Parent’s in the glory days of the franchise.  Clarke got to see firsthand exactly what an elite netminder could do for a team.

Unfortunately, the only goaltending that compared to that of Parent’s during Clarke’s tenure as GM was coming from the opposition side of the ice, in the form of Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy, among others.

In his time as GM, Clarke had two goalies with Cup-winning potential – Pelle Lindbergh and Ron Hextall - both of which were already Flyers’ property prior to the time Clarke took over the reigns.

With the likes of Tommy Soderstrom, Dominic Roussel, Hextall (second tour of duty), Garth Snow, Sean Burke, John Vanbiesbrouck, Brian Boucher (first tour of duty), Roman Cechmanek, Robert Esche, Jeff Hackett, Antero Niittymaki, Martin Biron, and Ray Emery, the past two decades have come and gone without a stellar number one.  And not so coincidentally, the Flyers went without a Stanley Cup during that time.

Clarke did try to rectify the Flyer goal with Burke and Vanbiesbrouck, but sadly both were past their prime and on the down sides of their respective careers by the time they came to the City of Brotherly Love.  Both experiments ended in failure.

Murmurs could be heard this past weekend from the main stream media questioning Philadelphia’s current playoff starter, Sergei Bobrovsky.  The 22-year-old rookie posted a sparkling 28-13-8 record, with a 2.59 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.

Many are concentrating on the fact that “Bob” finished with losses in his last four decisions (0-2-2), and was pulled in two of his last nine starts.

Photo Credit: Rhys Asplundh / Getty Images

While the March 22nd game against the Washington Capitals was a game Bobrovsky would like to have back, head coach Peter Laviolette is realistic about the goals that were allowed in the regular season finale against the Islanders.  “When you go back and look at some of those goals and break them down, you have a breakaway, a 5-on-3, a puck that scrambled through a bunch of players, and a guy left uncontested in front of the net,” Laviolette said after the game.

Bobrovsky, as well as backup Boucher and Leighton (one game) failed to post one shutout during the 2010-11 campaign – the first time that has occurred in a Philadelphia regular season since 1980-81.

As a result, one statistic that will be brought up ad nauseum during Philadelphia’s stay in the postseason is the fact that only two teams in NHL history have ever won a Stanley Cup after going an entire regular season without recording a single shutout – the 1981-82 New York Islanders and the 1986-87 Edmonton Oilers.

Bobrovsky admitted yesterday to the Toronto Sun that he was “nervous”, and author Mike Zeisberger got a running start with the comment.  The article was titled ”Bobrovsky unnerved already?”, saying that “Flyers’ fans hope the rookie goaltender is not the reincarnation of Roman Cechmanek.”

Bobrovsky’s interviews come complete with an interpreter, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility to imagine that something could have gotten lost in translation.

Even if it didn’t, is it too much to ask a young goalie to not have butterflies entering his first playoff season in a new league in a foreign country?  Especially considering the result that the team had last year.

To say that there are the highest of expectations for Philadelphia over the next two months is an understatement.

Sometimes we expect professional athletes to be above feeling the normal range of everyday human emotion.

Those true fans of the Orange-and-Black had better get used to it, because the Toronto Sun article is bound to only be the beginning.

It’s critical that both Bobrovsky and the Flyers get a good start to this postseason, because the media has the microscope pointed directly at last year’s Cup runner-up – and specifically in the direction of the club’s blue paint.

Any type of loss that comes with a soft goal(s) will only fuel the doubting Thomases, as well as the call for the return to the Philly crease of the hero of last year’s Flyers season (Leighton).

There are already those in the Philadelphia area that are calling for Leighton to play.

Even though he has played just one NHL game all year – in December in a 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings - Leighton did have a strong late-season run for the AHL’s Adirondack Phantoms.

After Saturday’s season-closing game, Laviolette reiterated a familiar statement.  “I think that there’s a confidence and a belief in our team, in our goaltenders,” the coach said.  ”We’ve said that all year,” the coach said.

Make no mistake, Bobrovsky possesses that exact same confidence in his own game.  He has often carried the team on his back when their play has been subpar in front of him.

And hopefully that is what the media will see in plain view when they focus their microscope in on number 35 in the Flyers’ crease – a confident Bobrovsky.

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If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter – @David_Strehle

By David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent

“I thought he was dominating with his speed and intensity.  He was terrific.  You’re right, he’s a horse right now.” – Flyers’ head coach Peter Laviolette commenting on Claude Giroux after a 3-2 overtime loss to the Phoenix Coyotes February 22nd - a game that saw Giroux score a spectacular, diving game-tying goal with just over a minute left in regulation.

Having gaudy personal statistics when retiring gains respect as an excellent player in the annals of hockey history.  Winning the Stanley Cup pushes that status into another stratosphere altogether - that of being regarded as ”legendary”.

Throughout the illustrious history of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise, there have been players whose names have become iconic not just in Philadelphia, but also in the hockey world in general. 

Bobby Clarke.  Bernie Parent.  Bill Barber.  It’s no coincidence that those three players are all enshrined in the Hockey Hall-of-Fame in Toronto.  It should also come as no surprise that all three played for the two-time Stanley Cup champion Flyers teams of the mid-1970′s.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

This season, Flyers’ center Claude Giroux has commenced the process of carving his name into the lasting archives of all-time Philly greats.  That statement is irony in itself after the inauspicious beginning Giroux experienced with the Flyers’ organization. 

Many fans of the Orange-and-Black remember the moment when the native of Hearst, Ontario was drafted by Philadelphia with the 22nd overall choice in 2006.  Clarke served as General Manager of the club at the time and had difficulty remembering exactly which player the team was selecting with the pick when he made his way to the podium.

No one watching the Flyers over the past few years have had any trouble remembering Giroux’ name.  The 23-year-old had occasionally shown flashes of brilliance in the season and a half since his recall from the AHL’s Philadelphia (now Adirondack) Phantoms during the 2008-09 campaign. 

His creativity with the puck was evident from the outset, as was his propensity for dishing the puck off instead of shooting.  In his first 126 regular season contests in the NHL, Giroux scored 25 goals and picked up 74 points.

Something happened before last year’s postseason – Giroux began to shoot more often.  Throughout his time in Philadelphia, the slick playmaker averaged just about 1.5 shots on goal per game.  Commencing with the team’s run to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, Giroux has been registering over two shots on opposition nets per contest – which may not sound like much but over the course of an entire season, it’s an extra 40 shots.

During last year’s march to the Finals, Giroux registered 21 points, which tied him with teammate Ville Leino for sixth in NHL postseason scoring.  Giroux’ 10 goals were tied for fifth most with the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane.

It should come as no surprise to see Giroux has already set career-highs in goals (21, previous best was 16), assists (37, previous best was 31), and points (58, previous best was 47) this season - and this with 20 games still remaining in the regular season.  His 58 points leads a very deep Philadelphia team in scoring.

He’s also become a force on special teams.  Giroux has added penalty-killer to his resume’ and has racked up the first three shorthanded goals of his career, as well as scoring eight times on the power play – which matches his career-high that was set last year.

Giroux’ talent was showcased for all to see during the NHL All-Star weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina in late-January.  He finished the game with a goal and an assist, helping All-Star linemate and ex-Flyer Patrick Sharp to the game’s MVP award.

Defenseman Chris Pronger had some insight into Giroux’ play as he watches him on an everyday basis.  “I think you are seeing that he can take his game to the next level this year“, Pronger said after the Islanders’ game.  “He’s kind of playing with that confidence.  He is making plays and really controlling the game.  If you watch him out there, he always wants the puck.  He always wants to be making plays.  He wants to be that guy in that position that is making things happen.”

Giroux continues to improve with each passing contest.  “When you play more games in the league, you get more comfortable“, he said when asked about the reasons for his improvement.  ”The coaches play me a lot.  When everybody plays well around you, you just get more comfortable.”

He has also been noticeably more responsible in the defensive end, as well as much more physical in his play.  “Any time you are good defensively, I think you create more chances offensively“, he explained.  “When you hit, you get on the puck more.  (Assistant coach) Craig Berube is always telling me to get involved more, so it’s a little fun.”

In a recent game against the New York Islanders, Giroux even lined up Frans Nielsen and threw a classic hip check along the boards on the Isles’ forward.  “I almost fell a couple of times there going backwards“, Giroux chuckled after the game.  “The last time I skated backwards I think was peewees, so I was just trying to get up on him and I was able to clip him, so I got pretty lucky there.”

Those watching know it was much more than just luck, and it was more like good, old-fashioned hard work.  Giroux’ hustle at both ends of the ice has been awe-inspiring.  He made a length of the ice dash from the offensive left wing corner to take Blake Comeau off the puck in the left faceoff circle in the defensive zone to short circuit an Islanders’ rush with a fantastic backchecking effort in the same game.

Another big key to the development of Giroux’ game has been the fact that Laviolette has kept him almost exclusively at center.  On a team so loaded with natural centers to the point that some have to man the wings to get playing time, Giroux has excelled since playing pivot for the most part.

“You get more speed, and you are able to make more plays“, Giroux said of playing center.  “I think I have a better game playing center, but sometimes I have to go play wing, but that’s alright.”

After the game against the Islanders – in which Giroux also assisted on two goals, including a no look, behind the back beauty to set up James van Riemsdyk, and was on the ice for the game-winner by Andrej Meszaros in overtime - Laviolette had high praise for his centerman.

“He is playing with a lot of confidence right now and he is competing shift after shift at a very high level“, said the bench boss.  ”He looks strong on the puck, strong on his skates, and it is very noticeable.  He seems to be getting stronger and towards the end of the year that is a good thing.  He was terrific last year in the playoffs and he has really carried forward with the way he plays with his speed in the attack in which he is playing the game.”

Playing left wing on his line, van Riemsdyk, has also marveled at the level that Giroux has been playing.  “On both ends of the ice he was pretty incredible“, van Riemsdyk beamed after the battle with the Islanders.  “He controlled the play whenever he was out there and he does what he does best.”

As for Giroux’ jaw-dropping pass in front of the Isles’ cage that was converted into a goal, van Riemsdyk added “I mean, nothing really surprises me with him out there.  He’s a great player.  He’s really well-rounded on both ends of the rink and he does a lot of special things out there.”

If you’ve noticed, more than one player has mentioned that Giroux has been ”controlling play” or “controlling the game”.  Not many players can do that but with his on-ice vision, creative flair, and dynamic, world-class offensive skill set, Giroux is beginning to be considered by many as an elite-level player.

Giroux’ eventual place in Flyers’ history has many years to yet be determined, and will no doubt be tied in with the club’s playoff success during his time here.  With the team appearing to be poised to make a run at the Cup for at least the next few seasons, Giroux has a real chance of one day reaching the same iconic stature as some of the Hall-of-Famers that called Philadelphia their home.

There is much work to do, but that cause could be greatly aided if Giroux can get his name etched on Lord Stanley at least one time during the course of his NHL career.

And that would make Giroux’ name one that endures the test of time.

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If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter - @David_Strehle.

By David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent

With the Philadelphia Flyers traveling to Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning Tuesday night, the club’s old home, the Spectrum, is about to meet its ultimate demise.  

As many already know, the demolition began in late-November with a ceremony that included Flyers’ legends Bob Clarke and Bernie Parent, as well as the NBA’s 76ers immortal Julius “Dr. J” Erving.  

One of the more memorable scenes of the day was an unnerved Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider hopping into his limosine just as a wrecking ball was about to begin striking the side of the building. 

It was something that did little more than to poke a hole in the Spectrum’s facade that day, but it was an understandable reaction from the man who was so instrumental in erecting the building more than 40 years earlier.

Copyright David Strehle, January 22, 2011

Many Flyers’ fans that live abroad have contacted me and requested that I keep them up-to-date with photos of the old barn as it is razed. 

I thought that maybe in addition to the updates that I have posted on Twitter and Facebook, I would also wrap up the past three weeks in photos. 

 This has been the time that the most visual changes have occurred in the process.

From the outside view, the demolition appeared as if not much was going on for the next couple of months.

Copyright David Strehle, January 22, 2011

But the building was being destroyed from the inside, and towards end of January, huge piles of rubble began to collect outside of the Spectrum grounds.

Copyright, David Strehle February 3, 2011

It seemed with each passing week the structure was being eroded away, as if a parasite were cleaning it out from the interior.  Soon gaping holes were visible, as all of the exterior brick was removed.

Copyright, David Strehle February 10, 2011

By February 10, 2011, the Spectrum was so barren inside that you could actually see downtown Philadelphia through the building from the Wells Fargo Center.

Copyright, David Strehle, February 13, 2011

On Sunday, February 13, the structure was as bare-boned as it could get. 

Appearing like the rib portion of skeletal remains observed in a desert scene, there wasn’t much left to hold up the roof.  Yes, the same roof that blew off in 1968, causing the Flyers to play a month’s worth of home games elsewhere.

Photo courtesy of Ike Richman, February 14, 2011

The roof was supposed to be brought down today, and actually began - but as reported by Ike Richman on Twitter, a technical problem with the crane has delayed that until tomorrow. 

It’s kind of like a person on death row getting a last-minute reprieve, except that the inevitable has been delayed for but just one more day.

Over the weekend, I had a discussion with Stephen Whyno about the way that the Spectrum demolition has differed greatly from that of the implosion of Philadelphia’s old baseball / football venue, Veteran’s Stadium. 

That process was over in a matter of seconds, as dynamite was placed on support girders that brought the Vet down into a pile of wreckage.

The Spectrum was not constructed that way, and there was no opportunity to do something similar.

Thinking about it later that night, I almost likened it to losing a loved one.  And the age-old battle raged in my head - wondering if it was better to lose the building abruptly (like the Vet), or to watch as it was eaten away, as if by some horrible terminal illness (as the progression of the Spectrum has been). 

While it may be better to have more time to say goodbye, in the end the Vet’s termination was a much-less painful choice.  Just keep all of the old memories alive and well…

I will leave you with a photo taken by Comcast-Spectacor’s Ike Richman on February 11 of the inside of the Spectrum (notice the jumbotron is still hanging in place). 

Photo courtesy of Ike Richman, February 11, 2011

_____________________________________________

If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter - @David_Strehle.

There is something about being a part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization that lends itself to a family environment.  You see it with current and former players, and it’s something that runs deeper than just hockey circles.

With the inking of General Manager Paul Holmgren to a contract extension yesterday, the man they call ”Homer” will remain an integral part of the Flyers’ family for at least another three years.

He will continue to work closely with his Philly contingent in attempting to do the one thing that has eluded the club for the past 36 seasons, and that is to see the return of Lord Stanley to the City of Brotherly Love.

And that was the first thing Holmgren stressed in a press conference to officially announce the deal just prior to last night’s tilt with the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center.   ”I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mr. (Ed) Snider and with (Comcast-Spectacor COO) Peter (Luukko), along with our coaching staff and of course our players in pursuit of the ultimate goal here with the Flyers, and that is to win the Stanley Cup.

The 55-year-old native of St. Paul, Minnesota was asked about the 2006-07 season when he took over the helm from Bob Clarke, and what he thought keyed the turnaround back to respectability.

“That was an awful year.  I don’t want to think about it but thanks for bringing it up“, he said in a humorous moment.  “At the end, we started to turn around a little bit.  We made a couple deals, bringing Scottie Upshall and Braydon Coburn in.”

He later added “To get a player such as a Danny Briere as a free agent, but that’s not necessarily all me.  You also have to mention the guys we picked up in trades, a guy like [Braydon] Coburn.  We got the rights to Kimmo [Timonen], and Scott Hartnell.  That was a little bit of luck.  At the end of the day I think those guys recognized that the Flyers were in it to win it, and that’s why they wanted to play here.”

And when referring to Clarke, the admiration in his voice is undeniable, and Holmgren says he speaks to the Hall-of-Famer daily.  “He’s been around a long time.  He’s got a lot of experience, especially last year when it was nip and tuck whether we were going to get into the playoffs.  He really brings a lot to the table.”

There are always tough decisions to be made in a family setting, and the Flyers’ organization is no different in that manner.  Holmgren has had a few tough moves to make already in his nearly-five years in his position as GM.

But as Luukko points out, Holmgren does everything for the betterment of the franchise.

“And the John Stevens situation was very difficult and it dwells on all of us and John’s family, drafted by the organization, played in the minor leagues, played at the major league level, won Calder Cups, and had a lot of success“, Luukko said.  ”But again, Paul had to do what was best for the team and what was best for us long term. Those are difficult decisions to make, but he made the decision and certainly you learn a lot about someone in the toughest of times.”

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

And the former sixth round selection of Philadelphia in the 1975 draft knows a little something about the other side of the spectrum.

After spending the better part of eight seasons as a heart-and-soul player with the Flyers, Holmgren was traded to the Minnesota North Stars on February 23, 1984 by then-GM Bob McCammon.

He found out about the deal while listening to the radio.

But as in many families, time heals all wounds.  Holmgren returned to Philadelphia as head coach in 1988 and led the team for four seasons then moved to scouting, and he continues to observe the traditions that the team has always observed and builds his team accordingly.

“I think part of being a Flyer involves bringing your lunch pail to work“, he said yesterday.  “I don’t think that’s ever going away.  That is part of our culture and tradition here.”

Former players are frequently seen around the Wells Fargo Center, and many of them are from the Stanley Cup-winning years in mid-70′s, during the Broad Street Bullies days.  Bob “The Hound” Kelly is the club’s “Ambassador of Hockey”.  Hall-of-Fame goaltender Bernie Parent, defenseman Joe Watson, forward Gary Dornhoefer.  “Dorny” even brings his pet Greyhounds to the arena from time-to-time.

“I think some of that probably goes back to Mr. Snider“, said Holmgren.  “I think he’s done very well to get them.  A lot of those players won Stanley Cups here, and it probably goes back to him more than anything.”

Maybe another Flyer legend, Bill Barber, summed it up best on the night that his number seven was retired a couple of decades ago.  “I was, I am, and I always will be a Philadelphia Flyer.”  And there is no doubt that this applies to many former Flyers, including Holmgren.

And Holmgren will continue to work with his family on the organization’s one true goal – bringing the Stanley Cup back to Philadelphia.

_____________________________________________

David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

Progress.  As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is “a forward or onward movement;  a gradual betterment.”

There is no doubt the National Hockey League believes it is moving forward with a gradual, overall improvement.  

With each new building erected, the NHL and team with a new home are benefitting from increased revenues through luxury boxes and premium seating.  Not to mention the state of the art electronics that help make the experience better and more entertaining for the fans.

But one thing that is being taken away is the unique qualities of the old NHL buildings.

There was a stretch in the early and mid-90′s where the league lost several of the most classically elegant venues in all of sports.  Chicago Stadium, Boston Garden, Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Montreal Forum were all casualties of the NHL’s rush towards additional profits.

A similar change came for the Philadelphia Flyers in 1996 when the team moved from the Spectrum, the only home they had ever known, to the then-CoreStates Center (after several name changes, the venue is currently being called the Wells Fargo Center for the 2010-11 season).

Built in time for owner Ed Snider’s expansion club for their inaugural 1967 season, the Spectrum cost just over $7 million. 

It didn’t exude the majesty of the grand old NHL buildings such as the Montreal Forum, Chicago Stadium, or Boston Gardens, but the Spectrum did become Philadelphia’s very own ”House of Horrors” for many opponents.

With it’s seating design where the second deck reached over towards the ice surface, much like Boston Gardens and the other older buildings, there was a great feeling of closeness to the action even in the upper levels.

In today’s NHL, if you don’t see a center ice logo or a players’ jerseys, chances are that you probably wouldn’t be able to discern one arena from another.  It’s as if they were all made from the same exact cookie cutter production line. 

And that’s a shame.

Flyers’ Success at the Spectrum

The Flyers would go on to have great success while playing 29 seasons in the Spectrum.  Philadelphia’s overall regular season record at the Spectrum was an incredible 693-296-143.

They qualified for the playoffs in 22 of those seasons, including 12 Division titles.  The Orange-and-Black would make it to the Stanley Cup Finals five times while calling the Spectrum their home, winning the treasured chalice twice.

The first Cup   

The first was in the 1973-74 campaign when Philadelphia beat the Big, Bad Bruins.  In defeating Boston in game six at the Spectrum, the Flyers had brought a long-awaited championship to a city that thirsted for a winner. 

Philly hadn’t had a champion since the 76ers won the NBA crown in 1967, and before that the Eagles in 1960.

As captain Bobby Clarke and goaltender Bernie Parent carried the Cup and led the rest of the Flyers around Spectrum ice, a love affair that had already begun with the city was effectively consummated.

Philadelphia was officially a “hockey town”.

Flyers vs. Red Army

One of the most memorable games ever played at the Spectrum came during the 1975-76 season.  The two-time Stanley Cup champion Flyers took on the Soviet Red Army team in an exhibition contest, as the Orange-and-Black attempted to salvage the pride of the National Hockey League. 

The Red Army had plowed through their NHL competition during the exhibition series, winning every game except for a tie with the Montreal Canadiens in another memorable contest at the Montreal Forum on New Year’s Eve. 

The Flyers had most-deservedly earned the nickname of “The Broad Street Bullies”, and played a rough game against the free-skating Soviets.  After a check by defenseman Ed van Impe on Valeri Kharlamov drew no penalty call, the Soviet team left the ice surface in protest for what they considered to be cheap shots at the hands of the Philadelphia squad.

When Soviet officials were informed that they would not be paid for the entire series if they didn’t return and complete the game, they grudgingly came back.  Shortly thereafter, Reggie Leach tipped a point shot past legendary netminder Vladislav Tretiak to open the scoring, and the team never looked back on the way to a 4-1 win.

After the defeat, this cartoon appeared in a Russian newspaper, depicting the Flyers as thugs with clubs.

The game remains one of the most infamous games in Spectrum history, and to all who saw it is a moment never to be forgotten. 

Opponents must be glad to see the building’s demise

Any time an opponent visited the Flyers for a game, they knew they were in for a war. 

I remember seeing an interview with New York Islanders’ forward Clark Gillies, in which he said that he and his teammates would be laughing and joking on the bus ride to Philadelphia.  But as soon as they started the trek over the Walt Whitman Bridge and caught a glimpse of the Spectrum, every player to a man got quiet.  They knew what was to come, and what would be required of them.

And there is no doubt that there are hundreds of former players that know the exact feeling that Mr. Gillies was talking about.  I bet they are going to be more than happy to see the Spectrum reduced to rubble.

 All-Star Games

The Spectrum hosted the NHL All-Star Games in 1976 and 1991.

Good luck charm

Kate Smith will forever be viewed as a good luck charm for the Flyers.  When Smith’s version of “God Bless America” was played before Flyers games at the Spectrum, the team posted a phenomenal record of 64-15-3. 

Kate even performed the song live several times, including prior to game six of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins on May 19, 1974. 

Bruins superstars Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito attempted to break Smith’s spell by giving her flowers, but to no avail.  Philadelphia won the game 1-0, and the series 4-2.

Other notable live performances by Smith was before game seven of the 1975 semi-finals with the New York Islanders, and the 1976 game against the Red Army team. 

Kate was memorialized with a statue that graced the walkway outside the Spectrum.

The Phantoms

The Phantoms, the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, called Philadelphia and the Spectrum home from their inception in 1996 until their move to Glens Falls, New York last year.

Included in the teams’ Spectrum history are two Calder Trophy championships, in 1998 and 2005.

Some personal notes

I saw my first live hockey game at the Spectrum on February 14, 1980.  I guess it is only appropriate that it fell on Valentine’s Day, because I fell deeper in love with the sport that night. 

The Flyers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-1, and my fondest memory revolves around center Rick MacLeish.  I can still remember the slick forward skating at center ice, stick handling with the puck as he skated in a circular motion in killing off a Jets’ penalty.  Though they chased, none of the Winnipeg players could catch him to regain puck possession. 

The roar of the crowd was deafening as they showed their appreciation for MacLeish’s efforts.  And that was something that was always the case in the Spectrum. 

Through the years I was lucky enough to see hundreds of games at the Spectrum, including the 1991 All-Star Game.  I have some pretty funny stories about meeting players and the voice of the Flyers, Gene Hart.

I was fortunate enough to have a couple of tours through the building and locker rooms, and made sure to attend the final event ever at the Spectrum.  That was Pearl Jam’s concert on Halloween night, 2009.  As confetti was released from the rafters, Mike McCready played a Jimi Hendrix-esque version of “The Star Spangled Banner”.

The night was surreal for all who were there.  

Several of the Flyers’ players even attended the event, in which many dressed in costumes for Halloween night, disguised as medical doctors to avoid recognition.

Closing view

As the wrecking ball prepares to begin demolition, I will leave you with this aerial photo of the site in the late-90s.  Also still standing was Veteran’s Stadium, which has since been replaced with Citizen’s Bank Park (Phillies) and Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles).

It is a sad day, indeed…but then again, maybe this is the price of “progress”.

Feel free to share your own memories.

David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

It has been said that time heals all wounds, and to some extent, that statement is true.  But for anyone who has ever lost a family member, there will always be a certain amount of pain that will forever remain.

Hockey breeds a very close knit community for the rink rats and die hards.  And as we grow with our favorite teams and players, it does feel somewhat like a family atmosphere.

And if tragedy ever strikes a team, the reverberations are felt throughout the hockey community.

That was the case 25 years ago today, when Philadelphia Flyers’ netminder Pelle Lindbergh was fatally injured in an automobile accident.

It was November 10, 1985.  The Flyers had beaten the Boston Bruins at the Spectrum the previous night, running their win streak to 10 games.  Lindbergh had been given the night off by head coach Mike Keenan, watching as backup Bob Froese helped keep Philly on the winning track.

With a rare long break in the schedule, the team had gone out after the game to let off some steam.  With the next game not being for another five nights, everyone was looking forward to the rematch of the previous year’s Stanley Cup Finals with the Edmonton Oilers coming up on Thursday, November 14th.

Lindbergh had consumed several alcoholic beverages that Saturday night and into Sunday morning, and shouldn’t have been driving.

Instead of making it home, Lindbergh’s customized red Porsche 930 Turbo would come to rest against a cement wall in front of an elementary school in Voorhees, New Jersey.

Lindbergh had a love for life, and a love of driving his Porsche at high rates of speed.  Unfortunately, that need for speed, mixed with the alcohol, would lead to Pelle’s ultimate demise.

In a time when cable television was in it’s infancy and no such things as the internet, hockeyheads had to rely on the radio and ESPN for any breaking hockey news.  

I can still remember staying next to a radio all day long, waiting for any updates.  The early reports were that Lindbergh had been in an accident, but nothing else was know.  I remember thinking that it was probably just a minor accident and news would be coming at any moment to say that Pelle was fine.

As the morning progressed it was learned that this was no ordinary accident, and Pelle had been severely injured.  Reports then trickled in that doctors were actually working feverishly to save Lindbergh’s life.

It was almost surreal when the words came across the airwaves in the latter stages of that Sunday morning:  ”We have a report that Pelle Lindbergh is…(pause)…brain dead“.

He was just 26 years old.

There were issues with his blood alcohol level that morning.  There is no doubt that he was legally intoxicated, but there were reports that Lindbergh was in excess of four times the legal limit.  Some even suggested that he might have died even if he hadn’t been in an accident.  These reports do not sound consistent with eye witness accounts.  There were also reports that Lindbergh’s blood alcohol was taken after emergency rescue crews worked on him at the scene, using tremendous amounts of alcohol to attempt to clean Pelle’s massive wounds.

As far as the Flyers were concerned, the loss was beyond devastating.

Keenan was only in his second year as coach of the young squad, and it almost defies comprehension how he was able to keep his club focused mentally and emotionally on hockey for the rest of the season.  Especially when you consider the stories that have been told about “Iron Mike” through the years.  He will never be known as the most compassionate of men.  Not even close.

The 1985-86 club would go on to win 53 games, tying the team record that was set the previous season.  But after the emotional rollercoaster that they went through, the Flyers fell in the first round of the playoffs to their perennial torturers, the New York Rangers.

The arrival of another young netminder the next season helped to keep the players’ minds off  of the tragic loss.  

The spotlight created by the fiery Ron Hextall and the controversy surrounding Keenan’s decision to start “Hexy” over Froese, who demanded a trade, was a much-needed distraction.  As the team rallied around the combative goaltender, they were once again able to concentrate on playing the game.   

This situation also brings up the question as to what the clubs’ goaltending situation would have looked like had Lindbergh not passed away.  Would a Lindbergh-Hextall tandem have worked, or would one of them been moved to accommodate one as the true starting netminder?

Even though he left us far too early, Lindbergh still left behind quite a legacy in Philadelphia.

He finished 40-17-7 and won the Vezina Trophy in the 1984-85 season,  eventually backstopping the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals that year.  Only the mighty Edmonton Oilers could beat Philly in the postseason and deprived Lindbergh and the Flyers of a Cup victory.

Lindbergh ended up with an 87-49-15 career record.  But he left an indelible print on the franchise, as well as the hearts of Flyers’ fans, that was far more encompassing than just wins and losses.

Pelle’s passion and true joy of being able to do something that he loved so much exuded from his very being, and was always evident to anyone that had the pleasure of meeting him.

It was almost as if Pelle had been put on this earth to patrol the crease for the Flyers. 

He had grown up in Sweden as a fan of both the Flyers and their legendary netminder, Bernie Parent.  Lindbergh’s all white mask was even patterned after Parent’s.

It seemed that it was his destiny to play goal for Philadelphia, and he got to live out his childhood dream.  

Along the way, he formed a close bond with Parent.  It was a touching moment when Lindbergh thanked his childhood idol as he accepted the 1985 Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender:  ”And I would like to say thank you to the man that taught me how to play hockey in America, Bernie Parent.  Thank you, Bernie.”

Lindbergh gave us many great moments to hold on to with his play on the ice.  In death, he also gave.  Lindbergh’s organs were donated so that others may live. 

If time does indeed heal all wounds, it’s the good memories of Lindbergh that brings a smile to our faces and puts an ease to our troubled spirits.  

I have mentioned many times how much the current Philadelphia starting goaltender reminds me so much of Pelle.  Russian rookie sensation Sergei Bobrovsky has the same rare lateral quickness and athleticism that Lindbergh possessed. 

On some occasions after an especially acrobatic Bobrovsky save, I find myself drifting off and reminiscing at just how much the save resembled something that Pelle would have done.  And the smile reappears.

But for the sadness that still lingers, it is an Orange-and-Black scar that will be a constant reminder of a loss that will never fully fade. 

And as is the case with the loss of any family member, it is an ache that will never completely disappear.  No matter how much time passes.

David Strehle
NHLHS Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent
dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @PhilaDAVEia

On the eve of the birthday of a late, great Flyers legend, the Philadelphia Flyers continued their history making run by advancing to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

For years, there has been talk about “ghosts” in Philadelphia.  The ghost of one man has yet to be set free.  Today he would of continued the celebration with his peers from a glorious event which took place just twelve hours ago.  Oh yea, and his own birthday celebration.

This is the story of Pelle Lindbergh.

Per-Eric Göran Lindbergh, better known to his fans as Pelle, was born on May 24th, 1959  in Stockholm, Sweden.  Today would have been his 51st birthday, but a tragic and preventable accident claimed his life on November 10th, 1985.  Before we continue with this article here are a couple disclaimers. Anyone that’s read my stuff knows it comes from a fan perspective, so if you’re looking for a stat heavy story, this will not take that approach. I will sprinkle in the odd stat, but will not rely on them to tell the story.

Growing up just outside of Toronto, Ontario for pretty much my entire life except for a two year span spent in Foymount just outside of Renfrew, the Toronto Maple Leafs have and always will be my favourite team, no surprise there.  Also, being a goalie since the age of 9, goaltenders are who I tend to follow;  no surprise there.

The fact that Pelle Lindbergh is the first goalie I remember from my childhood is surprising.  Just take a look at my MBTM: CuJo article to see the LONG history of Love/Hate relationships I’ve had with Leaf goalies in my time, to see that I am very much a diehard Leafs goalie lover.

We’re not really sure why we choose favourites as a child.  It’s usually something odd that makes it happen.  For example, Wendel Clark is my favourite Maple Leafs player ever (I know, I said I love goalies and my favourite player is a left winger).  This is because the first game I remember watching with my dad, not the first game I watched, Clark scored with his patented wrist shot from just above the left face-off circle.  Instant favorite.  Kelly Gruber, 3rd basemen for the Toronto Blue Jays, also wore #17.  Instant favorite.  Make sense?  Didn’t think so, but to my young mind, it did.

Just as I was starting to learn about the game in the early 80’s, the Leafs goaltending was atrocious.  Sorry Leafs fans, but Mike Palmateer couldn’t hold Lindbergh’s jockstrap on his BEST day.  Having Palmateer as my favorite goalie just wasn’t going to cut it.  Then I heard about this kid in Philly.  Fresh off a Vezina Trophy win and Prince of Wales Conference Championship, he became an instant favorite.  The tragic way he died just a few months later made sure he would always be imprinted on my mind, as well as within the hearts and on the minds of Flyers faithful worldwide.

Lindbergh grew up loving hockey and the Philadelphia Flyers.  On a trip to Toronto for a hockey tournament, he purchased a Flyers jersey with long time great Flyers goaltender Bernie Parent on the back.  He even told reporters during the 1978-1979 WJC that he “was going to play for the Philadelphia Flyers.”

August 9th, 1979 his dream was becoming a reality.  At the NHL Entry Draft held that year in Montreal, Quebec the Philadelphia Flyers selected him in the 3rd round.  After a few up and down seasons between Philadelphia (where he was named to the All-Rookie Team and All-Star Game in his rookie season) and their AHL Farm Team, the Maine Mariners (where he won awards for Rookie of the Year, League MVP and Best Goaltender) sandwiched around a couple of International appearances for Sweden (Bronze at the 1980 Olympics and 1981 Canada Cup) he finally stuck with Flyers in 1984-85.

Lindbergh became a 40 game winner and along the way became the first European to win the Vezina Trophy.  He was also named to the All-Star Game for the 2nd time in his short career and led his team to a Prince of Wales Conference Championship before losing to the Edmonton Oilers in five games in the Stanley Cup Finals.

The future seemed bright in Philadelphia.  Fresh off a 53 win season and a Finals appearance, the Flyers were set to take the next step and finish what they started the previous year.  I don’t think anyone could have seen this fairytale turn into a nightmare.

However, tragedy struck the league, the organization, the city, and the hearts of the orange-and-black supporters around the entire world.

On November 10th, 1985 in the early hours of the morning, after spending all night celebrating a 10-game win streak with teammates, Lindbergh made a mistake that cost him his life.  I’ll spare the details, it’s stupid really, and shouldn’t have happened.

Even with his passing, the great fans of the NHL still voted him into the 1985-1986 All-Star Game for a 3rd time.  I guess you could say that in a sense, Lindbergh’s untimely death kick started the Flyers run of bad goaltending.  Sure you can make arguments that Ron Hextall was good, heck he was the third Flyers goalie to win the Vezina Trophy in his rookie year along with Parent and Lindbergh.  But after that, it’s been a glaring weakness.  Several good Flyers teams have been let down by poor goaltending.

Outside of the brilliance of Robert Esche pre-lockout, and the Eastern Conference finals run led by Martin Biron, the only other time the Flyers were dominant was in 1997, however, that year was not because of goaltending. The team was simply a powerhouse that were upset by the Detroit Red Wings in a short Cup finals series.

This year, that seems to have possibly changed.  Yesterday, on what would have been his 51st birthday, the Flyers won the Eastern Conference, led by the incredible goaltending of Michael Leighton.  Posting shutouts in games 1, 2 and 4, Leighton has stymied the Montreal Canadiens and seems to have, for the moment anyways, settled the goaltending situation in Philadelphia.

Alright, maybe I did throw in a little more than the odd stat, but how could I not?

There are several masks that I would love to have in my collection.  As stated in MBTM: CuJo my ball hockey mask is painted to match Allan Bester’s.  Felix Potvin, my favourite goalie, is another mask I would like to add.  Patrick Roy’s Montreal mask is on that list as well.

Pelle Lindbergh’s would make it complete.

It’s hard to determine the impact a hockey player is going to have on you.  I was lucky enough to have my sister buy me Lindbergh’s Rookie Card many years ago when I was just a kid starting my Hockey Card collection.  Luckily my mom never threw out my hockey cards.  They’re still sitting in an old red hockey bag in my basement.  That bag weighs a ton and I’ve kept it through four moves to four different homes, and each time it seems to get heavier.

I just may go downstairs today and try to relive some of my youthful love of hockey.

Not sure how many people remember that yesterday was Pelle’s birthday.  I do, and now, after reading this, so do you.  Happy (belated) Birthday Pelle, hope you finally got a chance to win a few Cups up in Heaven.

On a personal note from Jose: “Hey Pelle, by the way, if you see my Dad, say hi and tell him I love him.  Wish him a Happy Birthday for me as well as May 30th would have been his 71st Birthday.”

Happy Birthday to your father Jose, and to you Mr. Lindbergh. May your spirit live within the body of current Flyers goaltender Michael Leighton as the Philadelphia Flyers are set to play for the greatest prize of all, the Stanley Cup.

Jose Simoes
NHLHS Restoring the Rosters Correspondent
jsimoes@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @RTRHockey

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC