Music, Jerseys, and Highlights of Flyers 2019 Home Opener
Last night was the Flyers Home Opener and they did not disappoint. The Flyers looked quick. Their passes were crisp. The team had some jump in their step. They were aggressive on the penalty-kill successfully killing a two-minute 5-on-3. And, most importantly, they have a goaltender. Carter Hart was brilliant in the 4-0 shutout.
This Flyers team, at least on this night, didn’t look like the Flyers of the past. To be honest, this franchise has been difficult to get excited about. They’ve been stuck in a sea of mediocrity for the better part of twenty years, with the exception of catching lighting during the 2009 season. Things look and feel different this season. They’re young, have a goalie and seem to be trending upwards.
The night started off with a total violation. Rain arrived as game time approached. My buddy and I got behind two couples who couldn’t have been more different. Both had tiny umbrellas not meant to protect two adults from precipitation. One guy did the right thing and let his lady have the umbrella while he endured the raindrops. The other guy squeezed his large body under his umbrella along with his female friend, leaving her partially exposed to the rain. Chivalry was both live and dead in front of us.
The Flyers in-game music is always a bizarre mix that leans heavily toward dated rock music. The standouts had to be Papa Roach, Saliva, Judas Priest, and Blink 182. It’s like a list of songs from your headbanging older brother who has some emo moments. Lizzo was the only non-rock song I heard, aside from a Gritty Rick Rolled video. Here’s a Spotify Playlist of the tracks I noted being played during the game:
Fletcher Cox was in the house with some sweet, personalized Flyers 91 gear.
They showed a Gritty montage set to 2 Legit 2 Quit. The new scoreboard at Wells Fargo is sick. Crystal clear and great viewing from all angles.
Flyers games are always great to see some obscure old jerseys. Before we get to the jersey highlights, we saw this badass leather jacket.
Among my favorite jerseys were this tandem of Justin Williams and Joel Otto.
On most nights, this Nittymaki jersey would’ve been the standout.
The only reason it wasn’t is because of John. Is this a first name? Last night? Biblical reference? I just don’t know. I don’t know the inspiration or the rationale for John and it’s probably that mystique that earned it top honors.
It’s good to have the Flyers back and with a touch of optimism AND WITH A GOALIE. Now, just don’t trade Carter Hart as they did with Bobrovsky.