Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings win on Monday night, the Eagles have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Now that January football in Philadelphia is not possible, I’ve shifted into "ABC" mode in terms of the NFL post-season.
Anybody But the Cowboys.
I have also reluctantly started focusing on next year, a year that, depending on who you ask, may or may not include Donovan McNabb.
During Sunday’s Eagles-Cowboys game, FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver said she had a conversation with McNabb where he indicated he thought his days with the Eagles were numbered and that the organization had already started to distance itself from him. When questioned post-game, McNabb denied the comments.
I’ve said this before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but I feel McNabb should be back as the starter next year. I think he’s given the organization everything they could have asked for, and they owe him a chance to play again.
No matter who you believe in the he-said, she-said between McNabb and Oliver, the focus for the Eagles is clearly on 2008. Here are their three biggest areas of need in terms of re-establishing themselves as a contender:
1. Safety – I love Brian Dawkins and what he brings to the team, but he’s 34 years old and has had some pretty serious injuries. He’s probably only got a year or two left. The cupboard is pretty bare behind him. Sean Considine has dealt with his own injuries and wasn’t exactly stellar when he was in there. Quentin Mikell is a nice player, but probably better suited to special teams. J.R. Reed is a return specialist who has filled in admirably when pressed into duty. Against a crop of outstanding tight ends in the NFC East, the safety position is crucial and must be addressed.
2. Kick/Punt Return Man – The aforementioned Reed looked like a game-breaker as a rookie, at least as far as kick returns are concerned. Not so much anymore. The Eagles have used Reed, Greg Lewis, Reno Mahe, Correll Buckhalter, and Brian Westbrook to return kicks and punts. Westbrook has been the best, but your pro-bowl running back should not be returning punts. Not to go Mel Kiper Jr. on you, but a guy like DeSean Jackson from the University of California would be a nice add.
3. Receiver Help – I’m grouping wide receivers and tight ends together here, as there will be a need for both. Either through a trade or free agency, the Birds need a top-flight, outside receiver (Chad Johnson, for example) that would allow Reggie Brown to be the second receiver and move Kevin Curtis into the slot, which is his natural position anyway. I’d also like to see Hank Baskett’s role increased. L.J. Smith is as good as gone and will need to be replaced.
If there’s been one constant in the Jeff Lurie-Joe Banner-Andy Reid administration, it’s been their collective willingness to put a contender on the field every year. With that in mind, I expect the Eagles to be aggressive in free agency and the draft in hopes of addressing these needs.
Here are the Week 16 NFL Picks (Home team in CAPS):
ST. LOUIS (+7.5) over Pittsburgh
CAROLINA (+10.5) over Dallas
JACKSONVILLE (-13.0) over Oakland
DETROIT (-4.5) over Kansas City
INDIANAPOLIS (-7.0) over Houston
Philadelphia (+3.0) over NEW ORLEANS
BUFFALO (+3.0) over New York Jets
Green Bay (-8.5) over CHICAGO
Cleveland (-3.0) over CINCINNATI
ARIZONA (-10.0) over Atlanta
SAN FRANCISCO (+6.0) over Tampa Bay
TENNESSEE (-8.5) over New York Jets
NEW ENGLAND (-22.0) over Miami
SEATTLE (Off) over Baltimore
MINNESOTA (-6.5) over Washington
SAN DIEGO (-8.5) over Denver
December 21, 2007
December 14, 2007
Consistently Inconsistent
Just when you think the Flyers are about to turn the corner and string together consecutive wins or play a stretch of five or six solid games in a row, they lay an egg like they did in last night’s 4-1 loss to Montreal.
That’s been the pattern of this team since they dropped the puck in Calgary on October 4. One night they look like the Stanley Cup championship teams of 1974 and 1975. The next they resemble the NHL-worst club of a year ago. Commencing with a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on November 21, the Flyers have alternated wins and losses.
Take this week as an example. In Tuesday night’s 8-2 thumping of the Penguins, the Flyers scored four power play goals, had 40 shots, and twin hat tricks from Joffrey Lupul and R.J. Umberger. They played an aggressive style that caused the Penguins to lose their collective composure and take foolish penalties, especially once the game got out of hand. Last night against the Canadiens, they came out flat, fell behind by four goals, and seemed utterly lifeless.
Another head-scratching trend with this team is their ability to show up against what were projected to be superior opponents, yet disappear against lesser foes. The Flyers are 3-0 against a Penguins team that beat them all eight times they met last year. They are also 3-0 against the Southeast Division leading Hurricanes, have beaten the top team in the Eastern Conference (Ottawa) and Western Conference powers Minnesota and Vancouver.
On the flip side, they’ve lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers, all of whom would miss the playoffs if the season ended today.
So why the roller coaster ride? It’s hard to say. They’ve dealt with injuries to Simon Gagne and Derian Hatcher and survived suspensions to Randy Jones, Scott Hartnell, and Riley Cote. With so many newcomers in the locker room, it’s possible that they’re still working towards perfect chemistry. But the core has been in tact for the majority of the season.
Don’t get me wrong. In comparison to last year, when the Flyers were consistently awful, I’ll ride the tide of win-loss-win. As long as they get things figured out by May, they’ll be fine.
Richie Rich…Literally
The Flyers locked up future captain Mike Richards for the long haul courtesy of the twelve year contract announced yesterday. Richards has had a breakout season so far and currently leads the team in scoring. But his value extends beyond the scores sheet. He plays the point on the power play, kills penalties, defends the other team’s top line, and by all accounts he’s a locker room leader. Securing Richards for the better part of his career is the latest in a long line of prudent moves by General Manager Paul Holmgren, who should be a candidate for NHL Executive of the Year.
That’s been the pattern of this team since they dropped the puck in Calgary on October 4. One night they look like the Stanley Cup championship teams of 1974 and 1975. The next they resemble the NHL-worst club of a year ago. Commencing with a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on November 21, the Flyers have alternated wins and losses.
Take this week as an example. In Tuesday night’s 8-2 thumping of the Penguins, the Flyers scored four power play goals, had 40 shots, and twin hat tricks from Joffrey Lupul and R.J. Umberger. They played an aggressive style that caused the Penguins to lose their collective composure and take foolish penalties, especially once the game got out of hand. Last night against the Canadiens, they came out flat, fell behind by four goals, and seemed utterly lifeless.
Another head-scratching trend with this team is their ability to show up against what were projected to be superior opponents, yet disappear against lesser foes. The Flyers are 3-0 against a Penguins team that beat them all eight times they met last year. They are also 3-0 against the Southeast Division leading Hurricanes, have beaten the top team in the Eastern Conference (Ottawa) and Western Conference powers Minnesota and Vancouver.
On the flip side, they’ve lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers, all of whom would miss the playoffs if the season ended today.
So why the roller coaster ride? It’s hard to say. They’ve dealt with injuries to Simon Gagne and Derian Hatcher and survived suspensions to Randy Jones, Scott Hartnell, and Riley Cote. With so many newcomers in the locker room, it’s possible that they’re still working towards perfect chemistry. But the core has been in tact for the majority of the season.
Don’t get me wrong. In comparison to last year, when the Flyers were consistently awful, I’ll ride the tide of win-loss-win. As long as they get things figured out by May, they’ll be fine.
Richie Rich…Literally
The Flyers locked up future captain Mike Richards for the long haul courtesy of the twelve year contract announced yesterday. Richards has had a breakout season so far and currently leads the team in scoring. But his value extends beyond the scores sheet. He plays the point on the power play, kills penalties, defends the other team’s top line, and by all accounts he’s a locker room leader. Securing Richards for the better part of his career is the latest in a long line of prudent moves by General Manager Paul Holmgren, who should be a candidate for NHL Executive of the Year.
December 13, 2007
Quick Hitters
We’re Going Streaking!
Don’t look now, but the Sixers have won four straight since the dismissal of GM Billy King. Skeptics may discredit the streak by pointing out the wins have come against teams with a combined 27-58 record (the 6-15 Knicks (twice), the 12-11 Rockets, and the 3-17 Timberwolves). They may also say that there is no dominant player on the team.
Personally, I think it’s a good sign that they’re getting contributions from more than one player. Check out the line scores from the four wins and you’ll find a different statistical leader each night.
Samuel Dalembert (12/7 vs. NYK): 9-12 FG, 2-3 FT, 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks
Thaddeus Young (12/8 @ NYK): 7-9 FG, 14 points, 5 rebounds
Willie Green (12/10 vs. HOU): 8-15 FG, 3-4 FT, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Andre Iguodala (12/12 vs. MIN): 8-17 FG, 7-9 FT, 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
I haven’t even mentioned the contributions they’ve been getting from Andre Miller, Kyle Korver, and Louis Williams. I guess what I’m trying to say is maybe the Sixers aren’t as bad as I originally thought. Time will tell, I suppose.
Rowand to the Giants
Free agent center fielder Aaron Rowand inked a 5 year, $60 Million contract with the San Francisco Giants yesterday. A fan favorite in Philly for his hard-nosed, aggressive style, Rowand had been seeking a five year deal. The Phillies may have been offering a higher salary on a per year basis but only over a three-year span.
What it boils down to is Rowand, already with a championship ring courtesy of the 2005 White Sox, opted for job security in lieu of winning. I know the Phillies didn’t win a playoff game last year, but at least they made it to the post-season. The Giants have a few decent young pitching prospects in Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, but they’ll spend 2008 trying to emerge from Barry Bonds’ enormous shadow.
Plus, AT&T Park isn’t exactly hitter friendly. I can’t see Rowand putting up the numbers he did in his contract year here. You know he’ll play his tail off, because that’s what Aaron Rowand does.
Now it’s up to Pat Gillick to find another outfielder. The Phillies projected opening day outfield reads Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth left to right. Burrell’s production has been inconsistent, so his reliability is a question mark. Victorino isn’t a power guy. Werth showed signs last season, but there’s a reason he’s always been a platoon player.
My gut tells me Gillick isn’t finished tooling with this team yet.
Mark Your Calendar
The Flyers host the Penguins on Thursday, January 24th.
OTCOBL (Outside the City of Brotherly Love)
Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino absolutely quit on his team to take the Arkansas Razorbacks head coaching job, and did so without speaking with his players face to face. Petrino’s apologists have given him a pass because of the whole Michael Vick situation, and to some degree I can understand that, but the bottom line is if you’ve going to quit on your guys, at least have the stones to do so in person. Can’t say I blame guys like Lawyer Milloy, Warrick Dunn, and DeAngelo Hall for being upset.
The long-awaited Mitchell Report will be released today, and speculation is that there will be somewhere between 50 and 80 names mentioned with links to performance-enhancing drugs. To me, this is like a much-hyped movie that bombs at the box office. I think the names will be those of guys we’ve already heard (Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmeiro) or suspected (Bret Boone, Brady Anderson). I don’t think marquee names like Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz are going to be in the report, which is what it seems like some expect. More on this once the report is made public.
Here are the Week 15 NFL Picks (Home team in CAPS):
Denver (Pick) over HOUSTON
Cincinnati (-8.0) over SAN FRANCISCO
Atlanta (+13.5) over TAMPA BAY
KANSAS CITY (+4.0) over Tennessee
Seattle (-7.5) over CAROLINA
ST. LOUIS (+10.5) over Green Bay
Baltimore (-3.5) over MIAMI
NEW ENGLAND (-23.5) over New York Jets
NEW ORLEANS (-3.5) over Arizona
PITTSBURGH (-3.5) over Jacksonville
CLEVELAND (-5.5) over Buffalo
Indianapolis (-10.5) over OAKLAND
Detroit (+10.0) over SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia (+10.5) over DALLAS
NEW YORK GIANTS (-4.5) over Washington
MINNESOTA (-10.0) over Chicago
Don’t look now, but the Sixers have won four straight since the dismissal of GM Billy King. Skeptics may discredit the streak by pointing out the wins have come against teams with a combined 27-58 record (the 6-15 Knicks (twice), the 12-11 Rockets, and the 3-17 Timberwolves). They may also say that there is no dominant player on the team.
Personally, I think it’s a good sign that they’re getting contributions from more than one player. Check out the line scores from the four wins and you’ll find a different statistical leader each night.
Samuel Dalembert (12/7 vs. NYK): 9-12 FG, 2-3 FT, 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks
Thaddeus Young (12/8 @ NYK): 7-9 FG, 14 points, 5 rebounds
Willie Green (12/10 vs. HOU): 8-15 FG, 3-4 FT, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Andre Iguodala (12/12 vs. MIN): 8-17 FG, 7-9 FT, 25 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
I haven’t even mentioned the contributions they’ve been getting from Andre Miller, Kyle Korver, and Louis Williams. I guess what I’m trying to say is maybe the Sixers aren’t as bad as I originally thought. Time will tell, I suppose.
Rowand to the Giants
Free agent center fielder Aaron Rowand inked a 5 year, $60 Million contract with the San Francisco Giants yesterday. A fan favorite in Philly for his hard-nosed, aggressive style, Rowand had been seeking a five year deal. The Phillies may have been offering a higher salary on a per year basis but only over a three-year span.
What it boils down to is Rowand, already with a championship ring courtesy of the 2005 White Sox, opted for job security in lieu of winning. I know the Phillies didn’t win a playoff game last year, but at least they made it to the post-season. The Giants have a few decent young pitching prospects in Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, but they’ll spend 2008 trying to emerge from Barry Bonds’ enormous shadow.
Plus, AT&T Park isn’t exactly hitter friendly. I can’t see Rowand putting up the numbers he did in his contract year here. You know he’ll play his tail off, because that’s what Aaron Rowand does.
Now it’s up to Pat Gillick to find another outfielder. The Phillies projected opening day outfield reads Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth left to right. Burrell’s production has been inconsistent, so his reliability is a question mark. Victorino isn’t a power guy. Werth showed signs last season, but there’s a reason he’s always been a platoon player.
My gut tells me Gillick isn’t finished tooling with this team yet.
Mark Your Calendar
The Flyers host the Penguins on Thursday, January 24th.
OTCOBL (Outside the City of Brotherly Love)
Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino absolutely quit on his team to take the Arkansas Razorbacks head coaching job, and did so without speaking with his players face to face. Petrino’s apologists have given him a pass because of the whole Michael Vick situation, and to some degree I can understand that, but the bottom line is if you’ve going to quit on your guys, at least have the stones to do so in person. Can’t say I blame guys like Lawyer Milloy, Warrick Dunn, and DeAngelo Hall for being upset.
The long-awaited Mitchell Report will be released today, and speculation is that there will be somewhere between 50 and 80 names mentioned with links to performance-enhancing drugs. To me, this is like a much-hyped movie that bombs at the box office. I think the names will be those of guys we’ve already heard (Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmeiro) or suspected (Bret Boone, Brady Anderson). I don’t think marquee names like Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz are going to be in the report, which is what it seems like some expect. More on this once the report is made public.
Here are the Week 15 NFL Picks (Home team in CAPS):
Denver (Pick) over HOUSTON
Cincinnati (-8.0) over SAN FRANCISCO
Atlanta (+13.5) over TAMPA BAY
KANSAS CITY (+4.0) over Tennessee
Seattle (-7.5) over CAROLINA
ST. LOUIS (+10.5) over Green Bay
Baltimore (-3.5) over MIAMI
NEW ENGLAND (-23.5) over New York Jets
NEW ORLEANS (-3.5) over Arizona
PITTSBURGH (-3.5) over Jacksonville
CLEVELAND (-5.5) over Buffalo
Indianapolis (-10.5) over OAKLAND
Detroit (+10.0) over SAN DIEGO
Philadelphia (+10.5) over DALLAS
NEW YORK GIANTS (-4.5) over Washington
MINNESOTA (-10.0) over Chicago
December 10, 2007
The End of an Era?
Yes, the Eagles are still mathematically alive. And yes, Donovan McNabb is still the starting quarterback.
But for all intents and purposes, yesterday’s 16-13 loss to the New York Giants might signify the end of the Eagles season and, unfortunately, the McNabb era.
At 5-8, the Eagles would at the very least need to win out to have any chance of clinching the sixth and final spot in the NFC tournament. This Sunday, they travel to Dallas to take on a 12-1 Cowboys team that needs to keep winning to secure home field advantage. Then, they play a New Orleans Saints team who faces the same must-win-to-survive dilemma. Finally, they host the 7-6 Buffalo Bills in a game that no longer looks like the lay-up it resembled at the beginning of the year.
What I’m saying is, it will be difficult for the Eagles to make the playoffs, but not impossible.
Let’s assume they somehow, someway, win their last three. In order to qualify for the post-season, they would need to jump over (or at least as far as) six other teams – Minnesota, Washington, Detroit, Arizona, New Orleans, and Carolina. Based on their current standings and remaining opponents, here’s how I see this playing out:
Minnesota (7-6): CHI; WAS; @ DEN = 9-7
Washington (6-7): @ NYG; @ MIN; DAL = 7-9
Detroit (6-7): @ SD; KC; @ GB = 7-9
Arizona (6-7): @ NO; ATL; STL = 8-8
New Orleans (5-7): @ ATL; ARI; PHI; @ CHI = 8-8
Carolina (5-8): SEA; DAL; @ TB = 6-10
Philadelphia (5-8): @ DAL; @ NO; BUF = 8-8
In this scenario, the Vikings would be the sixth seed. But if they stumble somewhere along the line, it could come down to tie breakers, the first of which is head-to-head record. The Eagles beat Minnesota this year and would have to beat New Orleans for any of this to matter.
So is it possible? Sure it is. Is it feasible? Sadly, I don’t think so.
This season will be classified as one of close calls, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled promise. Through no fault of his, the McNabb era could be described in the same way.
I’m on record as a big McNabb fan, and I personally don’t want to see him under center for the Vikings, Bears, or Ravens anytime soon. I’ve said before that I felt McNabb did more will less than maybe any quarterback in recent memory. Injuries have limited his mobility, which has made him a one-dimensional quarterback. Yet for only a season and a half, Eagles management gave McNabb the kind of receiving weapon he needed. Despite this, he’ll get most of (if not all of) the blame for the Eagles’ failures.
The public outcry for rookie Kevin Kolb is loud. The cries will only get louder if the Eagles lose to Dallas. If Kolb plays and plays well, there could be a mutiny if he’s not the starter next year. McNabb could be cast aside like yesterday’s news.
And after all he’s done for this franchise, that would truly be a shame.
But for all intents and purposes, yesterday’s 16-13 loss to the New York Giants might signify the end of the Eagles season and, unfortunately, the McNabb era.
At 5-8, the Eagles would at the very least need to win out to have any chance of clinching the sixth and final spot in the NFC tournament. This Sunday, they travel to Dallas to take on a 12-1 Cowboys team that needs to keep winning to secure home field advantage. Then, they play a New Orleans Saints team who faces the same must-win-to-survive dilemma. Finally, they host the 7-6 Buffalo Bills in a game that no longer looks like the lay-up it resembled at the beginning of the year.
What I’m saying is, it will be difficult for the Eagles to make the playoffs, but not impossible.
Let’s assume they somehow, someway, win their last three. In order to qualify for the post-season, they would need to jump over (or at least as far as) six other teams – Minnesota, Washington, Detroit, Arizona, New Orleans, and Carolina. Based on their current standings and remaining opponents, here’s how I see this playing out:
Minnesota (7-6): CHI; WAS; @ DEN = 9-7
Washington (6-7): @ NYG; @ MIN; DAL = 7-9
Detroit (6-7): @ SD; KC; @ GB = 7-9
Arizona (6-7): @ NO; ATL; STL = 8-8
New Orleans (5-7): @ ATL; ARI; PHI; @ CHI = 8-8
Carolina (5-8): SEA; DAL; @ TB = 6-10
Philadelphia (5-8): @ DAL; @ NO; BUF = 8-8
In this scenario, the Vikings would be the sixth seed. But if they stumble somewhere along the line, it could come down to tie breakers, the first of which is head-to-head record. The Eagles beat Minnesota this year and would have to beat New Orleans for any of this to matter.
So is it possible? Sure it is. Is it feasible? Sadly, I don’t think so.
This season will be classified as one of close calls, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled promise. Through no fault of his, the McNabb era could be described in the same way.
I’m on record as a big McNabb fan, and I personally don’t want to see him under center for the Vikings, Bears, or Ravens anytime soon. I’ve said before that I felt McNabb did more will less than maybe any quarterback in recent memory. Injuries have limited his mobility, which has made him a one-dimensional quarterback. Yet for only a season and a half, Eagles management gave McNabb the kind of receiving weapon he needed. Despite this, he’ll get most of (if not all of) the blame for the Eagles’ failures.
The public outcry for rookie Kevin Kolb is loud. The cries will only get louder if the Eagles lose to Dallas. If Kolb plays and plays well, there could be a mutiny if he’s not the starter next year. McNabb could be cast aside like yesterday’s news.
And after all he’s done for this franchise, that would truly be a shame.
December 8, 2007
This Date in Flyers History
December 8, 1987
Flyers goalie Ron Hextall made NHL history when he became the first goaltender to score a goal by actually shooting the puck into the opposing net. The goal came in the Flyers’ 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins at The Spectrum.
That moment is forever etched in my memory, because my father and I were sitting nine rows from the ice in the corner behind the net the puck went into. At a stoppage of play with about three minutes to go, Dad said we should corral my brother and sister (sitting ten rows behind us) and get going so we could beat the traffic. I told him I wanted to stay, and he reluctantly agreed. Needless to say, we witnessed history. From then on, we never left a game early.
I’m not sure if it’s because I was with my Dad and siblings, that we were all die-hard Flyers fans, or the fact that it was my favorite professional athlete of all time that scored the goal, but December 8, 1987 is without question the most amazing sporting event I’ve ever attended. I thought the roof was going to blow off the building.
And it got me wondering why #27 hasn’t been retired by the Flyers.
Hextall finished his Flyers career with 240 regular-season wins (eight more than the legendary Bernie Parent), 45 playoff wins (ten more than Parent), 18 shutouts, and he won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the playoffs in his rookie year of 1986-87 when he led the Flyers to a seven-game loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals. That series prompted Edmonton’s Wayne Gretzky to call Hextall the best goalie he ever faced. Hextall revolutionized the position of goaltender in terms of his ability to handle the puck. In addition to his regular season goal, Hextall was the first goalie to score in the playoffs (April 11, 1989 at Washington). Hextall’s attitude and temper made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
I was browsing YouTube looking for the goal so I could show my son and came across this montage of Hextall’s career highlights (including both of his goals). It was so good, I watched it twice. Now more than ever, I feel "27" should hang in the rafters in Philly.
Flyers goalie Ron Hextall made NHL history when he became the first goaltender to score a goal by actually shooting the puck into the opposing net. The goal came in the Flyers’ 5-2 win over the Boston Bruins at The Spectrum.
That moment is forever etched in my memory, because my father and I were sitting nine rows from the ice in the corner behind the net the puck went into. At a stoppage of play with about three minutes to go, Dad said we should corral my brother and sister (sitting ten rows behind us) and get going so we could beat the traffic. I told him I wanted to stay, and he reluctantly agreed. Needless to say, we witnessed history. From then on, we never left a game early.
I’m not sure if it’s because I was with my Dad and siblings, that we were all die-hard Flyers fans, or the fact that it was my favorite professional athlete of all time that scored the goal, but December 8, 1987 is without question the most amazing sporting event I’ve ever attended. I thought the roof was going to blow off the building.
And it got me wondering why #27 hasn’t been retired by the Flyers.
Hextall finished his Flyers career with 240 regular-season wins (eight more than the legendary Bernie Parent), 45 playoff wins (ten more than Parent), 18 shutouts, and he won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goaltender and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the playoffs in his rookie year of 1986-87 when he led the Flyers to a seven-game loss to the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals. That series prompted Edmonton’s Wayne Gretzky to call Hextall the best goalie he ever faced. Hextall revolutionized the position of goaltender in terms of his ability to handle the puck. In addition to his regular season goal, Hextall was the first goalie to score in the playoffs (April 11, 1989 at Washington). Hextall’s attitude and temper made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
I was browsing YouTube looking for the goal so I could show my son and came across this montage of Hextall’s career highlights (including both of his goals). It was so good, I watched it twice. Now more than ever, I feel "27" should hang in the rafters in Philly.
Next Year
I was going to wait until next year to start this site, but then I realized something. As a Philadelphia sports fan, I’ve been waiting for "next year" since the spring of 1983, when Julius Erving and the Sixers won the NBA Championship.
I thought "next year" was October 1983, when the Phillies knocked off the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the World Series.
They lost to the Orioles in five games.
I thought "next year" was 1985, when the Flyers faced Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.
The Oilers prevailed in five games.
I thought "next year" was 1987, when the Flyers and rookie goaltender Ron Hextall beat the Rangers, Islanders, and Canadiens in the Wales Conference playoffs and earned a Stanley Cup finals rematch with the dynastic Oilers.
Edmonton won in seven games in one of the most closely contested finals ever.
I thought "next year" was 1993, when the Fightin’ Phils, led by Lenny "Nails" Dykstra, Darren "Dutch" Daulton and the modern-day Gas House Gang tore through the National League and defeated the Braves in the NCLS.
Then Joe F. Carter took Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams deep in Game Six of the World Series and the Toronto Blue Jays won their second consecutive championship.
I thought "next year" was 1997, with Eric Lindros centering the "Legion of Doom" line and captaining the Flyers to the Cup Finals.
The Flyers were swept by the Detroit Red Wings.
I thought "next year" was 2001, when Allen Iverson carried the 76ers to the NBA Finals for a battle with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and a Los Angeles Lakers team that hadn’t lost a playoff game during the Western Conference playoffs.
Despite winning Game 1 (with Iverson stepping over Tyronne Lue after draining a jumper), the Sixers lost in five games.
I thought "next year" was 2004, when Donovan McNabb and the Eagles finally put all of the pieces together and won the NFC Championship. The Eagles would face the New England Patriots in Jacksonville, Florida in February 2005.
McNabb threw three interceptions in the Patriots’ 24-21 win.
Since then, the city hasn’t come close to winning a major sports championship, leading some to call Philadelphia the most tortured sports city. And sometimes it seems like "next year" isn’t happening.
But there’s hope.
The Phillies hadn’t reached the playoffs since 1993. That was until NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and the 2007 Phils won the NL East on the season’s final day. I know they lost in the first round, but the Phillies have the look of a contender for many years to come with Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels all entering the prime of their careers.
After finishing their 40th anniversary campaign with their worst season in franchise history, the Flyers have rebuilt through trades and free agency and are currently tied atop the loaded Atlantic Division of the NHL. Many of their key players are young enough that they figure into the Flyers’ long-term plans.
While the McNabb era in Philadelphia may be nearing its end, the Eagles have established themselves well for the future, with team MVP Brian Westbrook the focal point. Always prudent in terms of the salary cap, the Eagles will be able to add pieces and extend that proverbial window of opportunity.
The Sixers…well, at least they finally fired Billy King and seem committed to turning things around.
The bottom line is, I think this city is due (overdue, really) for an ascent to the top of the sports world in the near future. And as a Philly fan, I can't wait.
So, who’s next?
I thought "next year" was October 1983, when the Phillies knocked off the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the World Series.
They lost to the Orioles in five games.
I thought "next year" was 1985, when the Flyers faced Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.
The Oilers prevailed in five games.
I thought "next year" was 1987, when the Flyers and rookie goaltender Ron Hextall beat the Rangers, Islanders, and Canadiens in the Wales Conference playoffs and earned a Stanley Cup finals rematch with the dynastic Oilers.
Edmonton won in seven games in one of the most closely contested finals ever.
I thought "next year" was 1993, when the Fightin’ Phils, led by Lenny "Nails" Dykstra, Darren "Dutch" Daulton and the modern-day Gas House Gang tore through the National League and defeated the Braves in the NCLS.
Then Joe F. Carter took Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams deep in Game Six of the World Series and the Toronto Blue Jays won their second consecutive championship.
I thought "next year" was 1997, with Eric Lindros centering the "Legion of Doom" line and captaining the Flyers to the Cup Finals.
The Flyers were swept by the Detroit Red Wings.
I thought "next year" was 2001, when Allen Iverson carried the 76ers to the NBA Finals for a battle with Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and a Los Angeles Lakers team that hadn’t lost a playoff game during the Western Conference playoffs.
Despite winning Game 1 (with Iverson stepping over Tyronne Lue after draining a jumper), the Sixers lost in five games.
I thought "next year" was 2004, when Donovan McNabb and the Eagles finally put all of the pieces together and won the NFC Championship. The Eagles would face the New England Patriots in Jacksonville, Florida in February 2005.
McNabb threw three interceptions in the Patriots’ 24-21 win.
Since then, the city hasn’t come close to winning a major sports championship, leading some to call Philadelphia the most tortured sports city. And sometimes it seems like "next year" isn’t happening.
But there’s hope.
The Phillies hadn’t reached the playoffs since 1993. That was until NL MVP Jimmy Rollins and the 2007 Phils won the NL East on the season’s final day. I know they lost in the first round, but the Phillies have the look of a contender for many years to come with Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels all entering the prime of their careers.
After finishing their 40th anniversary campaign with their worst season in franchise history, the Flyers have rebuilt through trades and free agency and are currently tied atop the loaded Atlantic Division of the NHL. Many of their key players are young enough that they figure into the Flyers’ long-term plans.
While the McNabb era in Philadelphia may be nearing its end, the Eagles have established themselves well for the future, with team MVP Brian Westbrook the focal point. Always prudent in terms of the salary cap, the Eagles will be able to add pieces and extend that proverbial window of opportunity.
The Sixers…well, at least they finally fired Billy King and seem committed to turning things around.
The bottom line is, I think this city is due (overdue, really) for an ascent to the top of the sports world in the near future. And as a Philly fan, I can't wait.
So, who’s next?
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