The Philadelphia Flyers started last 1967 when they became official members of the NHL. They first won against the Pittsburgh Penguins last 1967. There were thousands of spectators who cheered them on in their home court game. This was indeed a great head start in their career as a strong statement to the NHL.
It was a progressive season for the Flyers over the years that passed. Their match against the Atlanta Flames was one to remember as they literally fought each other for the win. Their team was later coined as the Broad Street Bullies, following this game of heated confrontations. They had grabbed the win against the fighting Flames. Fans and media alike went crazy and intrigued over this game. It was another victory for the Flyers and a terrible upset for the Flames. The 70’s era was definitely remarkable for the Philadelphia Flyers as their team sowed the NHL what they are really worth!
In 1973, the Flyers won again in the West Division. It was then because of the efforts of Dave Schultz that led the team to win. It was also in this year that the song of the Flyers changed from Star Spangled Banner to God Bless America, which was the best move ever because since then, there had been nothing but winnings for the team.
Then came the prestigious Stanley Cup. This time, the Flyers were flying higher than ever and could not be stopped! They had a winning streak and it was as if the gods of ice hockey smiled down on this team which kept them winning and winning. They won 6 games against the Boston Bruins. Ever since, they made it point to have the song God Bless America played or sung in every game. It seems that it truly helped them to look in and let out the champions in them. They performed with vigor and confidence that the other teams simply lacked.
The succeeding years proved to be a breeze for the Flyers as they defeated NHL giants like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders. Indeed, nothing can stop them from advancing to the finals.
They lost the game against the Buffalo Sabres in an exciting and exhilarating “fog game”, as they simply put it. This was apparently because of lack of air conditioning in the venue of the game. This was upsetting for the Flyers because they also had difficulty seeing anything under the fog. They fought back in the succeeding games and eventually still emerged champions of the Stanley Cup.
During the years 1976-1980 and 1985-2010, it was like a bad omen got the Flyers. They had failed to win a single championship. Has luck run out for the team? Despite their efforts, it seemed like it was not enough or that the other teams had grown stronger and more determined than they were. Still, they did not refuse to fight and fight hard, like good sportsmen.
Overall, the team made a mark in NHL history and we will never forget that. They have won many championships already and they have earned the respect of the NHL community.
