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It’s the 15th Anniversary of the Flyers’ Incredible Playoff Comeback Against the Bruins
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As Rick Tocchet rumors swirl, and Eagles schedule tidbits slowly leak out, we take a quick trip down hockey memory lane. Today is the 15th anniversary of the Flyers’ game 7 triumph against the Boston Bruins, a series comeback that kicked off a run to the Stanley Cup Finals:
You probably remember the backstory because it wasn’t THAT long ago. The Flyers snuck into the playoffs after a shootout in the regular-season finale, which saw them earn the #7 seed and a matchup against the Devils. They clubbed New Jersey 4-1 and then found themselves quickly down 3-0 to the Boston Bruins after losses of 5-4 (OT), 3-2, and 4-1. Game 4 went to overtime, with Simon Gagne keeping the Flyers alive on a winner assisted by Matt Carle and Mike Richards. They took game 5 in Boston with a 4-0 drubbing, then held on for a 2-1 nailbiter in game 6.
The crazy thing was that game 7 looked like it was going to be a total drag. They had come all the way back to tie the series at three games each, then conceded three first period goals en route to what looked like it was going to be a blowout. Instead, JVR nicked one back at the end of the first, Scotty Hartnell and Danny Briere scored in the second, and then Gagne bagged a power play goal with just seven minutes left, which went on to be the winner. What was particularly wild is that the Bruins were penalized for too many men on the ice, and that ended up being their undoing.
Awesome game though. Awesome series. Super intense and really the big story in town at the time because the Sixers were horrendous and the uber-popular Phillies were still early into their 2010 season. The Flyers were rolling a tandem of Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton and Leighton was actually in goal for game seven. He conceded those three goals in the first period and then saved every shot afterward. Danny B led the team with 10 series points, Mike Richards had nine, and Ville Leino had two goals and five assists, two of those helpers coming in game 7.
The Flyers used to be fun and they will be fun again.
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com