1st Post

Welcome to The Orange and Black, an unofficial Philadelphia Flyers blog.

It may seem unusual to start this up half way through the playoffs, but I’ve got thoughts and ideas that need expressing about the Philadelphia Flyers, most of them positive. I did have a blog that was hosted on the Fan Nation website which I’ve decided to set up here. I don’t know if any other blogs have update schedule, but this one won’t have an official one. Because it’s the playoffs, I’m going to post after EVERY game. During the season, It’ll probably be weekly and the offseason: Monthly. But that’s still up in the air right now.

On to the Hockey.

The Flyers won the first series against the Washington Capitals 4 Games to 3 after a stunning game 7 OT goal from Joffrey Lupul. The whole series was a testament to both teams and how much they’ve achieved this season. I feel it was extra special because it silenced the Flyers critics and those that are too quick to praise the Capitals. This is especially important after criticism from the Washington Post about Flyers Fans actions during the series when Capitals fans bombarded the Flyers with trash and rubbish during their celebrations. That however, is in the past.

Now we are facing the Montreal Canadiens (whose fans have proved themselves no better) and we are already 1 game down. I am not disheartened however! The Flyers proved they can face the Habs and are settling in for the long run. Coach Stevens’ game plan worked for the most part, with regular line changes to meet the rested Canadiens’ offense. The players themselves are also showing the grim determination that the Flyers are famous for. Luppul and Smith skating playing despite injuries. Biron is also on form with an amazing pad save on a penalty shot. There are negatives though which Coach Stevens and the team need to look at quickly. They had a 2-0 lead in the 1st and dropped to 2-2 by the beginning of the 3rd. The Flyers then lost another lead which brought the overtime. I believe that was simply unlucky, but the first 2nd period could have and should have been played better.

Now we wait for Game 2. If the Flyers learnt their lessons from Game 1, they should win. I still believe the Flyers will win the series in 6.

Note: In Game 2, Jaroslav Modry will be unavailable as he will be attending his father’s funeral. He will be replaced by Lasse Kukkonen. The full story can be read at: “Flyers defenceman Modry to return to Czech Republic for father’s burial”