Another one for the history books

When I entered the Wachovia Center last Friday to watch Game 4 of the 2nd round in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Flyers were down 0-3 against the Boston Bruins. It was crazy that I was even at a playoff game. But the night before, I heard Howard Eskin say that they were practically giving tickets away. Section 113, Row 13, Seat 5=$79 (a $140 face-value). Done. Hey, if they lost, at least I got to witness a playoff game, in person, and give the Fly Boys a standing O at the end of the game for a great season.

But an overtime goal by the newly returned Simon Gagne changed that in a heartbeat. Flyers win game 5. Flyers win game 6. Tied? Only the 6th team in NHL history to come back to tie a series.

That's it's the best of 7, my friend.

Cut to tonight, about halfway through the first period, we are down...3-0, thanks to 2 stupid penalties from Scottie Hartnell and Daniel Briere. History repeating itself? I'd say so. Then, a spark by James van Riemsdyk. And then 3 more goals, one from each penalized culprits, Hartnell and Briere, (I forgive you!) and a perfect 2nd and 3rd period by a flawless Michael Leighton.

For all of you who watched tonight, you witnessed one for the history books. Sports enthusiasts will write about the 2009-2010 Flyers as coming back from the dead and the 2009-2010 Boston Bruins' epic collapse.

What a difference a week makes.

Jump on the bandwagon, my friends. You going to like the rest of the ride.

No-go for B-West Sunday

After sitting out of five games this seasons thanks to two different concussions, Brian Westbrook will be absent from yet another game against the New York Giants this Sunday.

The Eagles running back is still recovering, according to Head Coach Andy Reid. The team has even developed a special helmet with extra padding to reduce Westbrook’s chances of suffering from another head trauma.

But Westbrook’s recent injuries come at a time when the National Football League (NFL) is taking strict measures to protect players. According to the New York Times, the NFL sponsored a telephone survey that indicated that NFL retirees were reporting diagnoses of dementia and other memory-related diseases at several times the rate in the national population.

Over the past eight seasons, the Villanova alum, Westbrook, serves as a key component on the Eagles offense, with 37 career touchdowns, 5,946 rushing yards, and 3,765 passing yards. A hybrid of sorts, he has been to the Eagles what Marshall Faulk was to the St. Louis Rams. Small in stature, Westbrook has never been an “every down-back.” He is just not durable enough to be slammed by 325-pound defensive tackle on every play.

However, Westbrook has proved to be absolutely lethal on screenplays, the slot, and even split out at wide receiver. Any defense, to be quite frank, cannot account for him.

Westbrook is not an inside runner. He was asked to be an inside runner, which didn’t suit his game and that’s where he has taken his beating. And with every beating, the 30-year-old’s time as an NFL running back may be numbered.

Still, doctors believe Westbrook will make a full recovery. However, it is unknown when he will be back on the field.

The Eagles face the Giants Sunday night at the Meadowlands.

Hide your beagle...Vick's an Eagle!

Well by now, everyone has dripped the "Michael Vick is a dog-killer" story bone dry. But you have all probably been wondering what the broo-ha-ha is all about. For starters, Michael Vick started out as a McNabb-style quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, in that he was quick on his feet and fast, which allowed him to run the ball more often than passing. In fact, fellow Eagle Randall Cunningham and Steve Young are the only quarterbacks who have more career passing yards.

Then about two years ago, it was discovered that Vick ran and underground dog fighting ring, where hundreds of innocent animals were abused and murdered under his "watchful eye." He was charged, prosecuted, and thrown in jail. Having served his sentence, and then reinstated into the NFL, a team was bound to pick him up.

"Don't mind if I do!" said Andy Reid, thus Vick with don Eagles green for the 2009 season.

Now, Vick is an eagle. Cool. Great. Hooray. Now what? I'm not going to act enthused, because I certainly am not. The most important thing to figure out is if Vick will help us walk down Broad Street with green and white confetti falling around us. Take a look at his stats for his 74 NFL games played as a Falcon. You be the judge.

Welcome to the jungle Vick. Watch out for the picketers.

Through the eyes of Philly Sports Girl: Citizens Bank Park

Since its first pitch in 2004, Citizens Bank Park has attracted thousands and thousands of Phillies fans. I am one of those fans. Over the years, I have taken many pictures and these are the best (so far).

One small step in Phillies ranking; one giant step backward for Phillies fans

For those of you that haven’t heard, a man was killed while attending a bachelor party at the Phillies game Saturday, July 26. David Sale, 22-years-old from Lansdale, Pa., was beaten to death by men who were on a bus tour from the Fishtown section of Philadelphia.

The incident occurred sometime during the 8^th inning inside McFadden’s Bar and Restaurant, which is attached to Citizens Bank Park, and eventually spilled out into the street. Sale was beaten so badly, that by the time he arrived at the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

To make matters worse, an innocent by-stander, crossing the street to the ballpark was also injured.

This incident taints a splendid weekend in which the Phillies bettered their record by two games and won the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.\

During the 7^th inning, some “fan” thought it would be funny to aim a green laser pointer at the one of the Cardinal’s chest while he was batting. The umpire actually had to stop the game to find out who was doing the distracting.

It’s absolutely embarrassing. I’m not sure I understand why Philadelphia fans thinks it’s necessary to act immature and uncouth, especially when our city and its fans are under even more a microscope since we are the reigning world champions.

Furthermore, it disgusts me to think that some “tough” guys thinks it’s O.K. to have a few 16 o.z. Bud Lights and throw a few punches over a [probably dumb] disagreement. That’s no was to show support of your home team to embarrass them the way some fans chose to do this weekend. Not to mention, how sickening that someone lost his life in an act of stupidity.

Gee…I wonder why Philly fans have the reputation they have…