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22 Comments (13 conversations)
Vandit Kalia
The slow grind of the regular season is a great time to wax eloquent about team building strategy, coaches, analytics, etc.
But in the end, following sports is about being entertained first and foremost. And if the last few weeks have not been entertaining, i dont know what to say. Not only that, these playoffs feel different. The 2020 playoff team was a veteran, middling team that wasnt really going anywhere – this team, on the other hand, is on an upward trajectory. These playoffs are not the pinnacle of what it can achieve, but the promise of more in the future.
Anyone who is still unhappy b/c the Flyers have messed up their draft position needs to stop following sports and stick to fantasy hockey leagues.
So… LET’S DUCKING GO!!!!
PS: Charlie, any chance of an article before the playoffs start comparing team analytics before and after the Olympic break? While the eye test indicates that the improved performance is due to better goaltending and also a better offense, it’d be interesting to see what advanced analytics show. Is the team playing unsustainable hockey the past few months, or has it truly turned the corner?
Charlie O'Connor
AuthorNah, I think I basically did that article when I broke down why they turned it around post-Olympic break on April 7.
Vandit Kalia
Fair enough – that was a very insightful article and i guess there wont be any new revelations between then and now.
Ira Smith
Charlie, the Inquirer said the Flyers got booed off the ice after the first period. Please confirm this BS.
Michael Perez
There were boos but I felt like they were directed at the canes who were just content running the clock behind their own net.
Vandit Kalia
I agree with Michael – i heard the boos and they seemed directed at the Canes. The Flyers may have been behind but i dont think they were playing in a way that deserved boos.
Charlie O'Connor
AuthorYeah, the boos weren’t directed at the Flyers, they were booing the Canes for holding the puck for the final 10 seconds and not doing anything with it, just killing time.
Ira Smith
Welp, that’s what I thought. Jackie Spiegel in her original article said the Flyers got booed off the ice. lol
Anthony Poponi
There was also a missed call by the refs against the Canes just prior.
David LaVeck
This article was a perfect way to put an end to the regular season and the idea of tanking which was never really a strategy. The Flyers rebuild plan may have produced fruit a little earlier than expected but it feels like it was right on time. The game as you pointed out was won by the Flyers youth rather than their vets, providing a glimpse of the future promise. Michkov seems poised for greatness as his detractors stand silent, at least for now. Zegras has found his home as have others such as Drysdale, Dvorak and most of all Vladar who took a bit to get locked-in but once he did he was lights out. The Flyers regular season is virtually over but their real season now begins. I cannot wait to see how good they can be as they burst into the playoffs. Whatever the outcome, this has truly been a successful season, well done coaches and players alike! 👏
Bobby Hally
This is what it’s all about Chuck!!!
I am thankful for your coverage of this team during The Dark Ages. While following the team was consistently intolerable your writing continued to be insightful. No one deserves playoff hockey in Philadelphia as much as you.
Kyle
Pretty much came to say the same thing. Maybe it comes with age, but when I see a team start to flourish after prolonged periods of irrelevance, I celebrate the result but then think about the people who have spent thousands of hours writing hundreds of columns, attending practices, going on long road trips, etc. in the name of covering a lousy team.
For what it’s worth, when things like last night happen, it feels good to be able to check in immediately with the voices and scribes who have been there the whole time and kind of celebrate the good vibes with them. You know we’re reading your words with excitement today and that has to feel pretty good.
Devon Stein
Excellent work Charlie
Vandit Kalia
Also – am i the only one looking forward to seeing Jiricek play?
Michael Curran
Thank you Flyers for helping the fans remember so many exciting times.
Jonathan Riendeau
They all deserve it and I hope they have continued success for years to come
Coach
“Gradually and suddenly!”
Just a perfect description Charlie.
LETS GO FLYERS!
Stephen Roenitz
Another banger Charlie – gradually, and then suddenly! Let’s go Flyers
Randy
On the pod last night, Steve Jacot asked “Why Can’t Us?!” Can we please, please, please get some Why Can’t Us? t-shirts for sale from PHLY, Charlie? Pleeeez…..?
Jim
Great article Charlie. This is the most fun I’ve had watching this team in years and I can’t wait for this upcoming playoff series. Thank you for covering the team so clearheaded and rational. The crazies on X don’t represent the fan base and there’s a lot of us who appreciate your work. GO FLYERS
Charlie O'Connor
AuthorThanks Jim!
Brandon Bolstad
thanks charlie