4/03: Flyers v. Leafs

Yes, I attended last night's game. It was a last-minute decision on my part. Right now, I'm hoarse and putting together a write-up for any Gentle Readers I might still have. Check back later today.

However, to the row of Leafs fans in section 221 last night: It was nice to have you there last night. Thanks for keeping a good attitude. Way to pitch in on the yelling. Come back any time.

Okay, I'm back a day later than I expected. Sue me.

This is going to be a brief run down of impressions from the game since I no longer take notes at the games.

Thanks, Flyers, for winning another one while I was in attendance. It's a rare sight for me this season, but I truly appreciated.

After an 8-5 final score, once again, I want all talk of increased goal size or smaller goalie equipment banished. Some nights you're going to have a low-scoring game and sometimes you won't. Deal with it, NHL.

How interesting was that first period? I couldn't believe it when I saw tape-to-tape passing. Even I was a little overwhelmed with that 5-0 score at the end of the first. But, as co-workers Brandon and Justin could tell you, I wasn't ready to chirp at the Leafs fans about it because we've blown leads before.

No disrespect meant to the former Darth Gerber, but he looked a little like Swiss cheese on Friday. Somewhat fitting, considering he is Swiss. Personally, I think he's suffering without the flat black helmet.

Jeff Carter's hat trick was awesome. I can't tell you how nice it was to be there for that milestone, especially considering who was in attendance and knowing the smack he talks about Blondie. Peaked my @$$.

In summary, I'm bummed that I can't get 'ritas at the games any more, but glad I attended another game this season and it was a win.

Limiting my online time to enjoy the weekend,
Flyers.Femme
-

Whole Lotta Stuff

Part the First - Finished games stuff

All good streaks come to an end, it just sucks when that coincides with Cindy Crosby being in town. *Shudder*

In a bit of a confession: I admit to perpetrating a small but significant amount of harassment toward my co-worker Justin about the Leafs game. Seriously, he's a Philly fan in everything but hockey...and he has to pick Toronto for that. *Shrugs*

By now you know that stats just aren't my thing - even just reading them - because they have, um, numbers in them. Well, did I read it wrong yesterday, or do Jeff Carter's 29 goals push him back up to the top of the list again? (My eyes have been a little glazed over lately because of all the sound-editing I've been doing.)

Part the Second - Thank you, Jesus!

Thanks to dropping the game last night, the Flyers are not the division leaders any more, which I think is fantastic. The guys don't have to win the division...let some other team expend itself on that honor. I'll settle for the team squeeking like last year and running deep into the post-season, in the hopes of appropriating some good Philly sports mojo in order to win the FPOW conference.

Part the Third - Best Christmas Presents

Truly, the best present I received over the holidays was two weeks away from here with my family and the dog. We like each other. We can hang out together and not kill everyone.

But if I have to pin down my top three Christmas presents, they are:

1. Tickets to two games! Come and see me and co-worker Justin (assuming his wife lets him out of the house) at these games:

• Feb. 21 Battle of PA match-up. Section 116.
• March 14 vs. Rangers. Section 222A.
  

2. Two Flyers gift cards worth $75! Hello, Fan Gear Store? Yeah, see you February 21 and March 14.

3. Flyers Christmas tree ball! All I can ever find at the stores near me are Eagles and Phils ones. Thanks, Holly, for getting me this...you'll see it at next year's open house.

And for Extra Credit

My request for suggestions on what co-worker Kristin and I should see and do in Montreal in June is - actually - open to people other than the Four Habs Fans. Feel free to leave yours as comments, a tweet, or drop me an email.

Psyched!
Flyers.Femme
-

Hockey-tastic Vacation

Hockey Harem in NHL ASG

Congratulations, Blondie! You made it to the ASG. Go, have fun, geek out on hockey. I want to add another command to that list but I'm afraid to jinx ya.

Not Just Jeff Will Visit

Plot hatched. Passport is in order. Airfare search commences soon. Lodging suggestions welcomed.

Co-worker Kristin - who likes hockey, but is not Hockey Kristin - and I are going to blow some vacay in Montreal this summer. We may even try to take in the NHL Hockey Draft. (We may even recruit more friends to go along.)

So, if any of you FHF guys have insider information to share, comment, email, IM, whatevs...send it my way.

Eagles, Schmeagles,
Flyers.Femme
-

Glor-i-ous!

That was so much fun!

Because my only two other trips to Broad and Pattison resulted in loses, this season has been a little disappointing for me as a fan...until last night. Last night was freakin' awesome. Three key reasons:

• Dude, we won!
• We caused a few of the Avs to lose their composure...though not as badly as the Pens last season.
• I was about 8 seats over and one row behind Shawn!

Something I must point out to my non-Philadelphia readers: Flyers fans do not boo Santa. Santa was in section 216 or 215 last night, and he was greeted with cheers. (Drunken Eagles and Sixers fans are responsible for booing Santa, not Flyers ones.)

Knuble: Looooved your PPG. Your positive attitude, willingness to hang out at the net, and make like a screen keep serving you well. Congrats on number 100!

Blondie: Woo-hoo, another SHG! Tell me, what kind of noise does one of your wristers make, if any, when you score? With the team leading the league on them, and needing just one more to match last season's total SHG count, this is such a fun statbit to track. (Nice intermission interview, by the way.)

Lups: Thank you for putting one in on even strength. Way to do that during the second while I had a very good view of it.

Dear Captain: Another pretty one I saw clearly from my cheap seats. And a three point night? Bitchin'!

Gagne: Way to make sure that PPG entered the net! A second player with a three point night. I'm so glad you're back and playing like your old self.

Interesting off-topic factoid of the night: The announcer still cannot pronounce Ovie's last name with any consistency. How many seasons has he been playing in the NHL? Just make sure you balance that out with a Cindy Crosby, 'kay?'

Interesting game-related factoid: How sick is it that we have six players with 10 or more goals this season already? And I thought last year's seven players with 20 or more goals was cool.

Having a happier holiday season,
Flyers.Femme
-

Flightless Blackbirds Return

Battle of PA: First Showing in Philly

The 2008-09 Battle of Pennsylvania has been a bit one-sided this season. The Pens won the first two bouts in overtime and a shoot-out, respectively. While no loss is nice, and these kind doubly-suck, at least we gained a point in each one. (Please do not interpret that as my acceptance nor endorsement of doing away with the tie. It isn't.)

This afternoon, the Flyers continued the trend of beating the Pens in the Wachovia Center, to the tune of 6-3. I guess the guys didn't feel like they sufficiently proved themselves in the comeback on Thursday.

Today's win puts the Flyers at 6-1-3 against Atlantic Division foes. It also had them two points behind the Rangers prior to their match-up with the Whalercanes tonight (which the Evil Blue Shirts won in a five-round shoot-out).

Up next, the Sakic-less Avs. (And you really must go read Margee's post about him on SportSquee...see the HLOG links to go there.)

Keep the wins coming,
Flyers.Femme
-

Welcome to the Harem

Blondie Addition, er, Edition

Jeff Carter is the leading contender to be the 2008-09 season Hot B**** for the Flyers. Let's recap:

• It started with the step-up-and-be-the-man play when the big names were out injured in The Season That Rocked!
  
• Then, there was the best-kept playoff beard of the NHL. (No Beowulf imitation in sight.)
  
• Up next, contract signage over the summer.
• Now, he's leading the team in goals, having racked up two more tonight (one unassisted!).
  

For these more than acceptable reasons, Blondie, you've clearly earned your entry into the 2008-09 Flyers.Femme Hockey Harem line-up. While you aren't the first entry, you are the first forward to be honored this season.

Simon, just one more goal, 'kay? Way to work an assist in tonight!

Tonight's Game v. Buffalo

Thanks also go out to the following guys for tonights 3-0 victory over the BuffaSlugs:

• Scott Hartnell
• Andrew Alberts
• Kimmo Timonen
• Andreas Nodl

Gentle Readers

You've got a day or so to weigh in on my December ticket purchase. Which two would you want to see? (Last time I looked at the results, los Diablitos and the Avalanche are "winning.")




Kickin' back and takin' it easy!
Flyers.Femme
-

What Next?

Earlier this week

Okay, we lost against the Pens. I'm taking refuge in the fact that we picked up a point from that game.

We'll see what happens with tonight's game against the Habs. Frankly, I just can't scare up a lot of enthusiasm for it.

Tonight's Match-Up

End of First Period

Thanks, Comcast, for showing tonight's game on a non-proprietary channel. So nice to actually see a game on TV in the land where your company is based without exchanging my first-born child for a cable contract.

Well, we lead in penalties, but the score is tied at nil.

And how effed up is it that Kukkie's on waivers and playing center for the second game in row since it happened? In related news, Kristin's taking bets on how soon we see a leadership change behind the bench.

End of Second Period

• Mike K. footage with work on eye: 100% visible F-bomb drop on the replay, and in slow motion, too.
• Kimmo defends Marty, and looks a little mouthy doing it.
• Scottie pushes one in. Thanks, Richie and Alberts.
• Marty makes a play that looks a little like FPoW semis last season. (Sorry, FHF.)
• Seriously, another few? Impressive!
• Blondie! Thanks, Gags and Coby! (Sorry, FHF.)

End of Third Period

Hey, we won in Montreal! Other than the 2007-08 FPoW semis, when was the last time that happened?

Biron was on his game, the D did its job, and the forwards even put their bodies on the line to hold onto the lead. Good job, guys! Now, go hop on the plane, sleep if you can, and gear back up for tomorrow night against the Thrash.

Hockey Harem 2008-09

I've decided to rebuild the harem each season. Right now, there's a population of two and it's completely skewed to defensemen:

• Braydon Coburn
• Kimmo Timonen

¡Buenas noches!
Flyers.Femme
-

Tshirt Selection

Richards = Must-Buy

You voted. Looks like I'm buying at least Richie's Tshirt this season.

Here are the poll results:

Timonen - 2 votes (I am shocked! He's out top D-man.)
Richards - 6 votes (I am totally not shocked about this result.)
Niittymäki - 1 vote
Biron - 2 votes
Kukkonen - 2 votes
Lupul - 3 votes (Finny or Tamika, were you here?)
Carter - 2 votes

Apparently, there are a few of you who agree with SportSquee's Margee's assessment of Richie as the 07-08 season's Most Awesomely Responsible-Looking Boyfriend.

Yes!

Thank you, God, for small miracles

Dear Gentle Readers,

This particular one is a blonde, 6' 3", 200 lbs. center who has at least one very fine gray suit in his closet and displayed the most superbly cropped playoff beard of the 2007-08 season. (Dude, I am such a sucker for tall guys in great suits!)

So, Jeff Carter, thanks for sticking around. And Homer, thanks for finesse-ing the payroll.

Love yas!
Nadine

Heart Failure Over Here!

Note to the Flyers

Dudes,

What're trying to do to me, huh?

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the final result of last night's game. But, two OTs for crying out loud?

Totally not necessary!

Oh, and welcome back to the Land of Scoring, Blondie!

Note to Boudreau

Give Godzilla the start next game! You're seriously pissing me off with the HueT train, 'kay? Put the big guy in and let's really rock this series, no matter what the outcome is tomorrow afternoon.

Really, pissing me off...

Note to my friends over at FHF

¿Qué fue Ché? Could one of you guys 'splain to me what happened last night? Who gave the Broons the kryptonite for TFS (tm by FHF)?

Whatever. I so do not highly recommend the win-one-lose-one game train.

Note to Scarlett Ice

I'm sorry that the guys didn't really care about your bunny. Loved the Gary Roberts pillow!

Note to the Diablitos and Evil Blue Shirts

Please take each other out already.

Note to Gentle Readers

Aren't the play-offs fun? God, I love this time of year!

2/25 Flyers v. Sabres

God Help Us

Bad news: The IR is not fun to look at right now. Plus, Richie joined it last game.

Good news, depending on who you talk to: Steve Downie (Fabric Softener) and Jesse Bowl-of-Rice are returning to the the line-up.

First Period

I'm not surprised. Boulerice v. Peters is a completely predictable scuffle.

Okay, two goals in less than 15 seconds is fun...when your team is the one scoring. This doesn't look good. Marty cannot do it all, and he shouldn't have to either.

There goes a third one for the Buffaslugs. Yikes! (The population of Pominville has grown by another one, argh.)

Score, Blondie! Much love to Knuble and Jonesy for the back-up on that one. Way to turn the momentum.

Fast-forward to just under two minutes later: Score, Hartsie! Thoresen, way to contribute in your second game.

Second Period

Some penalties that we killed successfully. No change in score.

Third Period

Guys, what if you woo us by flirting with your B game? I don't expect to see the A-, A, or A+ game, but B isn't asking for too much, right?

Score, R.J.! (With a little help from his friends Coby and Knuble.) Now, kiddies, hang on to your hats and wait for the ride to come to a full and complete stop.

Over Time

Please! Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh! You guys are trying to kill all of us, right?

Shoot Out

Does it even matter?

Connolly...stopped! Timonen...stopped.
Kotalik...argh! Carter...in!
Roy...fanned! Briere...Holy God in Heaven! He did it!

Take that Buffaslugs!

What is this feeling I'm experiencing?
Oh, yes...it's a win and two points that belong to the Philadelphia Flyers!

And In Other News

We picked up some guy named Vinny Prospal. Is he any good? (Insert heavy sarcasm there.)

1/8 Flyers v. Thrashers

Oh, Atlanta

The capitol city of Georgia. The hockey team that has to have it's city name, not the team name, on the jersey just to remind its players and the opposing teams about where they reside.

Question: Do any of the Thrashers' players stay in Atlanta over the summers?

My sister-in-law is from Georgia. I suffered through August weather for her wedding this past summer. I just can't imagine hockey players from the northern U.S., Canada, or various locations in Europe and Russia sticking around for it.

Dude, The Game!

Yep, we're injury-laden but we beat the Thrashers anyway! Here's my brief format game review, sponsored by my stupid superstition that allows me to watch only the game summary insta-refresh for away games.

This annoying guy named Kovalchuk scored first, in the first. (Annoying because he's not on the Flyers, I don't care if he is leading in goals-scored.)

Downie scores 32 seconds into the second period. This is his second goal in as many games. Fortunately, he didn't St. Jason Blake anyone tonight from what I can tell.

Cartsie scores at 13:42 on a power play, then Hedberg pulls a Britney Spears 13 seconds later when the teams are at even strength and Cartsie shoots it in again. (Hit Me Baby, One More Time.)

Hartsie decides he wants to have the most statistically impressive goal of the night and plugs in a short-handed goal at 19:59 of the second, just because he can. (It's also his 100th career goal.) ;p

About Those Injuries

A few HLOG sisters are upset about Lupul being out. It appears their fantasy teams will suffer. Sorry 'bout that. I feel your pain because my actual team could suffer without him also. (Dude has earned 35 points that seemed to accumulate faster than Canadians can say "eh.")

Lups met up with the not-so-nice side of Hatcher. It's not surprising that he sustained a mild concussion from the run-in. What really stinks is that Lups is out of all action for two weeks due to spinal contusions. Those aren't nice. My mom, a nurse with 37 years experience and the proud owner of three spinal fusions herself, says they're quite nasty.

An aside: I mentioned to Kristin in last night's semi-regular chat that Hatch may be a behemoth but he isn't really that scary. He's basically a Michigan-raised teddy bear, unless you're on the other team. Kristin seemed to be near-death from laughter following that remark.

Next, let's not forget my HH Sami (unlike most of those jerks at the major MSM outlets), who, after taking a puck to the face, received a fine Epiphany gift of 25 stitches to the face.

I don't know how the stitches to the face feel. I do know about being hit in the face by an object moving at a high rate of speed. At least I wasn't hit by a frozen galvanized rubber biscuit!

Sami, I hope you only have the stitches and tooth replacement to confront. Trust me, permanent jaw dislocations are a b...are awful.

Our injury line-up is rounded out by Scottie Upshall (ankle), our dear captain Gator (leg), and Simon Gagne (concussion). Gagne could return for Thursday's game against the Rangers, but I don't know how I feel about that possibility.

¡Felicitaciones Niittymäki!

Antero, just in case you actually read this, that first word means "congratulations" in Spanish.

Thanks for getting your injury issues resolved over the off-season. I knew you had it in you to work back to this. (I mean, you are a Finnish goalie.)

While tonight doesn't top the 54 saves on 56 shots, it does put you into the win column for back-to-back games. Keep up the good work!

We beat the Leafs!

1. About last night:

Had Pandolfo played last night, I would say it was Pando-monium. But he didn't, so I won't.

I have nothing nice to say about last night's loss to Satan's boys. I'll take a cue from my parents and grandparents and not say anything at all.

(Lack of posting last night due to a celebration with my best friend over my promotion at work. Nuh!)

2. Road game susperstitions: check

Tonight I observed them all!

a.) Wearing black sweater with orange cami
b.) No watching game on TV or listening to it on the radio
c.) Reading all of the new posts on HLOG

That second superstition means that I once again relied on the the Game Summary insta-refreshes to keep me on pins and needles.

3. Positives from tonight's game:

a.) We won.
b.) While Lucifer's minions have our number, the Leafs don't seem to have learned it just yet.
c.) Richie scored a goal!

4. Negatives:

a.) Sami took a puck to the face and is now the proud owner of 25 stitches. Yikes!
b.) Lups slammed into Hatch, had to be helped from the ice and, in all likelihood, will be out with a concussion, err, "dizzyness."
c.) Briere had a Cindy Crosby assist on Richie's goal. Grrr!

Side bar side note:

Since a few individuals have trouble keeping the members of my hockey harem straight, I created a list displaying their photos and the appropriate (current) order.

P.S.: Sportsquee's Bunker Christmas Party (parts 1 and 2) feature Kristin and I, as well as the other HLOGers and some other well-known hockey bloggers.

11/07 Flyers v. Some black birds

Somewhat live blogging

Dear guys,

It'd be nice to think you read what I posted last night, but I won't be holding my breath. It was sincere advice, but you'll play how you want and need to...so no hurt feelings if you decide I don't know what the flip I'm talking about.

Love,
Nadine

First Period

So, I am patiently obeying my superstitions for away games. (And I'm flinching as I tell you that!)

(1) I read HLOG and the Flyers web site today.
(2) I am not listening to the radio.
(3) I am wearing my v-necked, three-quarter sleeve black sweater with my orange cami underneath.

Apparently it's working tonight because we already have goal. Thanks Lups! Whoa! I hit the refresh button, and there's another one. Carts, you're back!

Like I've said before, I love it that we seem to score in pairs, but I'm greedy and I want more. Getting out to this kind of start is good. But, don't - in the name of all that is holy - give them many PPs tonight.

Darn, the birds got on the board! Well, based on what I'm reading, the guys sound a little more lively tonight. Now, boys, no slacking off in the second. Give Marty a break, but make Sabo work for his paycheck.

Second Period

Right, so all I'm seeing is that Umberger and Orpik had a go at each other. Waiting...

Richie scored! He's so fantastic...*sigh* I may have to put him in my harem. I am cautiously impressed at the end of the period. I can't wait to see what happens in the third, as long as it's good!

Third Period

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!

Uh, dudes, just say no to penalties, okay? It gives the birds a PP and you have to PK. Please stop it.

Guys, you completely rock! Marty, great job at the end of the third. Randy, way to jump back in there. Woo-hoo!

Summary: Teka, bring it on! See you and your Army sweater at the WC on Saturday for Round 2. Good night, GRs!

Final score: Flyers 3, Black birds 1.

10/24 Flyers v. Panthers

[Author's note: I passionately dislike listening to hockey on the radio. It turns me into a nervous Nellie. I need visuals, gosh darnit!]

First Period

Crap! (Grr. Jokinen. I passionately dislike her.) So, here's my prediction:

1st: We'll do our usually crappy play.
2nd: We'll love it a lot and get on the board.
3rd: Anybody's guess...including the boys'.

no, No, NO, NOOOOO! No more stupid penalties. Let them get the penalties...jeez.

Okay, Fricks and Fracks, get the puck in their end. Keep it there. Crash the net. Shoot. Get on the board.

Intermission: Marty, I hope you're reaming a few new ones. Coach, *sigh*. Waiting for a Gagne update.

Second Period

Please kill the penalty. Gagne out with dizziness. (I'm sensing an unhealthy trend there.) Thank you for the PK.

Ugh! More penalty killing. I want at least one goal as repayment for that, Eager. (Anybody can score it. I'm not too particular.)

Yes, a power play! Waiting...Joffrey Lupul, you really are a Flyer. Last year with Edmonton, you played like one of us. Now you're here, and you play like one of us. Thank you!

Another one...another one...I'm greedy and I want another one. Carter scores! Woo-hoo! I knew you'd be back on the board shortly.

Argh. Okay, deep breaths. Marty, shake it off.

Intermission: I really enjoy that we have a trend of scoring in the second, as it's a "make-up" for giving me less than nothing during the first. I also thoroughly enjoy our trend of scoring back-to-back goals in the second. But I really want to see this carry over to other periods during the game.

Third Period

Campbell, right.

Sitting tight. Nothing to write...

Kukkie! Yipee, your first goal. Okay guys. Lock it down. Frustrate them. Don't draw penalties. Shoot a lot.

Game over: Lasse gets his first goal. Joffrey converted on a power play. Jeff is back to putting the puck in the net. Gagne is out with dizziness after Bouwmeester's shoulder meets his head.

Final score: Panthers 4, Flyers 3. Not my preferred result, but I can live with it. ('Cause, really, I am not Marty McFly in Back to the Future so I can't go back in time and change it.)

Because I knew he could!

Martin Biron, with Gaston on the helmet, gets a shut-out! (Jack Cassidy)

Dear Thrashers and Their Fans,

If there's one team in the nhL that understands where you are right now, it's the friendly people in Philadelphia. We hope you get your first win soon. Selfishly though, we're happy it didn't happen tonight.

Good luck!

6 Fun Facts and 1 Blatant Bit of Speculation as a Result of Tonight's Game:

(1) Marty got a shut-out! [Thought and written in a really sing-songy voice.]

(2) Jeff Carter's streak grows to four goals in four games.

(3) Lead hockey-husband-to-be candidate Sami Kapanen scored for the second game in a row.

(4) This is the second game in a row where Carter scores a goal followed by Sami within a very short time.

(5) Mike Richards continues to wrack up points.

(6) Randy Jones proves that he can be an offensive defenseman by scoring the final goal.

(7) Perhaps we shall continue to lead the Atlantic Division, hmm?

10/13 Islanders v. Flyers

[EDIT: I'm curious how many of my non-Flyer GRs would take the time to slog through this one to the bitter end. Hmmmm.]

Home openers deserve the longest post of the regular season. They should include the sights, the sounds, etc. So, here goes...

Free Swag: One of each given to every person (including the random Isles fans) that came in the doors

(1) A magnetic schedule and

(2) An orange "Back with a Vengeance" T-shirt, sized adult XL.

The shirt will be added to my night-shirt collection. Adult XL in bright, halloween orange looks like crap on someone with dark brown hair, very fair skin, and dark brown eyes that only stands 5' 1.5" (156.2 cm).

Free face-painting is available at the door. I struggle hard not to knock all the kiddies out of my way and jump to the head of the line. In the end, adult sanity prevails and I bypass the whole zoo to collect my swag. ( :p Downie and Boulerice.)

Food, Glorious Food

Making my way to Section 224, I stop at one of the small concession stands, staffed by the nicest people I've ever met at one before. I will go there again next week. Pretzel: check. Beer: check.

I arrive to Section 224, Row 12, Seat 18 and see that the whole section is empty! Fantastic while it lasts. The next residents to arrive were two friendly, middle-aged women who have tickets in the last row. The one carrying their box of treats stops at my row, looks at me and says, "I forgot how far it is to those d*** seats!" My response: "It was a very long off-season, wasn't it?" Total agreement from my hockey sister.

Frat boys - loud, obnoxious, already slightly drunk frat boys that all dressed up for the one girl in their group - fill in the opposite end of my row and I become a little worried. Family of four in front of me. Family of five plus an uncle behind me. (The landscape is improving.) Two nice guys that I presume are fleeing the family for the night sit next on the other side of me, and they really know their hockey.

Buffer between me and the frat boys: Middle-aged couple who's nephew plays for the Devils, but who are rabid - albeit somewhat quiet - Flyers fans. I do not ask who the nephew is. (I've always been really non-intrusive with my best friends who have famous relatives, so why break the streak with people I don't even know?)

I do ask how his season has been going. The wife says the nephew is doing well and she can't wait until Thursday's game, though she doesn't know which sweater to wear for it.

Warm-Ups

I notice a stirring among the kids at the glass. Suddenly, the boys are on the ice, whizzing around, and my heart is completely happy. A round of "boos" starts, distracting me. I look right, and there are the Islanders.

I can't hate them; I don't hate anyone. I do pray TLB Comrie's my little pony girlfriend isn't in attendance, because I will puke if I see her on the big screen. (The Delta Dental ice girls cause enough gag reflex testing...why add Hilary Duff to the mix? And the ice girls are worse than last year.)

I tune the Isles out, and look at my boys. I immediately note that some one needs to talk to Danny Briere and Joffrey Lupul. I know it's only warm-ups, but we're paying too much for you two to skate around without your helmets. (Besides, you don't have mullets to ruffle in the breeze.)

Pre-Game Show

Over the top. For me, it just wasn't necessary because I've been experiencing these feelings since last April like the deprived Philly fan that I am. Besides, it just delayed getting to the real thing: the game.

Game On!

Kristin and I agree: the guys looked slow live. I think it was the antsy-ness of the fans, the road trip, and the pre-game show delay (which left them standing mostly still too long).

First Period

Big thing: Ben Eager is hit in the head, goes down and lays on the ice for a few moments. (Everyone in my section stops breathing for half a second, then starts yelling at the "stupid zebras" for not calling it.) Eager does get up, tries to skate to the other end where play has continued, but even in 224 I can see that he isn't all there. Benny heads towards play in our end, then heads to the bench for the line change.

The in-house reporter reveals during a break in play that Benny won't be returning to the game due to dizziness after the hit to the head. The crowd boos for a prolonged period. (NHL: Review criteria!)

The first period wraps up with neither team scoring. Moving on to...

Second Period

We crash the goal a little more, finally get on the board, and Marty continues to be brilliant in the crease while denying the Islanders entry. jEFF Carter scores first with a wrist-shot goal, assisted by Joffrey Lupul and Randy Jones. Statbit: This is Carter's third goal in three games. Nice little streak to have.

Fast forward two minutes: "The puck is bouncing like crazy! Somebody get a stick on that! Some Flyer do something!" As if Sami had a direct feed from me, he does something with the help of Derian Hatcher and Scott Hartnell.

With a dazzling display of stickhandling, Sami calms the puck while coasting backwards near the crease, lines up, and lifts the puck up and over Pretty Ricky's shoulder for it to eak into the opposite side of the net. Sami continues drifting backwards into the boards, arms up like the victorious warrior he is in that moment. All the guys congratulate him. In my humble opinion, it's one of the sickest goals I've seen live!

Flyers maintain the lead for the remainder of the period, and head into the locker room to a round of applause. The in-house reporter interviews Sami about the goal and the team.

Third Period

I just couldn't watch it. Vasicek scores less than three minutes in. A one goal cushion is not enough insurance for me, or any of the (by now) very drunken frat boys. Serious hockey guys are also looking way too serious about the matter.

With 1:30 left in the game, the Philly fans believe the game is over. They start cheering. Maybe they had more faith than I did, but the game is never over until it's over!

I was on the edge of my seat. Hopeful for the win. Scared that we were not clearing the puck out and keeping it to the other end. And then...

Gator blocks with his body, clearing the puck out, and accidentally-on-purpose scores an empty net goal. It's the captain's first goal of the season, it's at home, and it's in front of a sell-out house. He's wearing the biggest smile on his face, and Kimmo Timonen literally jumps on him for joy.

The Short Story: Flyers win. I love hockey.