Matt Carle

The year, in my eyes, did not start on Friday, Oct. 2 in that magical 2009-10 Stanley cup runner-up season.

In fact, the Flyers year kicked off on my birthday; it was as if Paul Holmgren rewarded my 12 years of loyal service to the team that is the Philadelphia Flyers by finally signing "that guy."

The guy who was finally supposed to lead Philly to the promised land. The day was June 10, and "that guy" was Ray Emery.

If the Flyers want to return to the Finals next season and beat the Blackhawks, they know they can't rely on four defensemen for the entire playoffs.

On Saturday, the Flyers announced their plan for the off-season: Build a stronger team that has the ability to contend for the Cup yet again through free agency. With no picks in next week’s NHL Draft until the third round, the Flyers knew that free agency was going to be key to their success next season.

The Philadelphia Flyers won at home, again.

I waited until the horn sounded and I knew we drew first blood to walk into the family room.

However, once there was only a one goal lead, I told Jeff I had to leave the room to save the game. 

I hit the potty and the Flyers hit an empty net goal! 

Toilets flushing, Jeff screaming and horns blaring...welcome to my world. 

After only two games into the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cinderella run by the Montreal Canadiens is as good as over.  After dropping the first two games of the series to the Flyers, the pressure is mounting on the Canadiens who were able to upset the NHL’s top team, the Capitals, and the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins, earlier in these playoffs. 

On Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers made history by defeating the Boston Bruins, 4-3, and becoming the first hockey team in 35 years to win a playoff series after dropping the first three games.

But after the first period, it appeared that the comeback was nothing more than wishful thinking. Boston held a commanding 3-1 lead, and the Flyers were looking for inspiration heading into the final 40 minutes. They looked to Peter Laviolette, and the first-year Flyers coach, channeling Gordon Bombay, had an answer.