The Flyers Are A Wagon, But Are You Paying Attention?
The Philadelphia Flyers have been one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season. After being written off by just about everyone, they are currently sitting in third place in the Metro Division and have a 61% chance of making the playoffs. They are also currently on a seven game point streak after defeating the Washington Capitals in a shootout last night. Yes, that’s right the Flyers won a shootout and are actually 3-0 in shootouts this year. Shootouts are still the worst thing in sports but for the first time in forever the Flyers are actually good in them.
Usually at this time of year we’re talking about the Flyers in the middle of a ten game losing streak. This year is different, they’re winning and they’re playing fun hockey. It’s not a dread to turn on their games anymore and the future is bright. I was in attendance for last nights game and for the first time in a few years the Wells Fargo Center felt like the Wells Fargo Center. Sure it wasn’t a sell out but the building was rocking and it was genuinely exciting to feel that building be alive again for a Flyers game.
The Flyers have some tough games coming up to finish of 2023 but they have shown they can compete with the top teams and if they keep this play up we very well could be seeing playoff hockey come April.
But here’s the thing, with the Flyers having fallen out of the good graces of the casual fans over the last few seasons my question is are people really paying attention to them?
Sure they are never going to be the talk of the town during Eagles season but at least sports radio is acknowledging them for their success. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t listen to WIP or the fanatic because Philly sports radio is toxic. But it got me wondering how many people are starting to check back in now that the Flyers aren’t the laughing stock of the city. Even at the game last night just from a few of the conversations around my section I could over hear people talking about how they haven’t been paying much attention but have heard they are playing well. Also, on the way out going down the escalator there wasn’t an Eagles chant going on it was a Let’s Go Flyers chant. I can’t tell you how many times after a win or loss going down that escalator you’d be hearing Eagles chants no matter the time of year and don’t get me wrong I love the birds but I don’t want to hear their chant at a Flyers game.
So I want to know if you’re actually paying attention to the Flyers this year or if you still have them on the back burner. Let us know in the comments or on Twitter @FlyersFanLife
I’m trusting Keith Jones and Danny Briere to turn us back into a great organization and to set us up for not just short term success but for long term success.
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-Walsh