Every season no matter what the sport there are moments that inspire you to scream at your TV, to jump up and cheer while spilling your drink, to bite your nails until you can finally breathe a sigh of relief, and to laugh hysterically until your side hurts.
The season may not technically be over, but with only 3 games left and the Flyers headed to the postseason once again I feel it’s time that we found out what you, our readers, feel was the most incredible moment of the 2008-2009 season. What will you remember from this year of Flyers’ hockey that you will tell your kids one day when they are old enough to don the orange and black? So go ahead and tell us which of the options below you thought stood out the most out of this entire season. If you don’t see your moment up here go ahead and tell us what it is.
It’s been another incredible season of Flyers hockey!
1. Scott Hartnell: Comeback of the Century
On December 11th, 2008 the Flyers found themselves being slaughtered by the Carolina Hurricanes. Not only does Hartnell bash in former Flyer Rod Brind’Amour, but he beats the crap out of Casey Borer. Afterwards he completes his 4th hat-trick in the calendar year of 2008. The Flyers, who were down 5-1 going into the 3rd period, were inspired by Hartnell’s 2 more goals with Upshall and Gagne tying the score at 5 apiece with 1:44 left in regulation. The Flyers then win the game in a shootout making it the largest margin for a 3rd period comeback win in NHL history.
2. Hey ref! You “stink”!
In the 2nd game of a home and home against the Devils on October 25th, 2008 in the Wachovia Center a “no-goal” call by the instant replay officials in Toronto spurs a Flyers fan to toss a stink bomb onto the ice during the overtime. The refs are afraid to pick it up and so Flyer blueliner Ossi Vaananen walks over, picks it up, and takes it off the ice. Marty Brodeur complains after the game that he couldn’t see well which directly resulted in the Flyers walking away from their 2nd win of the season and their 2nd consecutive win against the rival Devils.
3. Richards Penalty-Kills His Way into the Record Books
During the 2nd period of a nationally televised game against the New York Rangers on February 15th, 2009 the Flyers found themselves killing off a 5-3 powerplay for the Rangers while up 1-0. It was then that Braydon Coburn sent Mike Richards zooming down the ice and into the record books. His 5-3 shorthanded goal against Henrik Lundqvist gave Richards his 3rd 5-3 SHG of his career, something that had never been equaled before in NHL history.
4. Watch Out for FLY-ing Objects
In the 3rd period of a home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning the Flyers found themselves tied 3-3 with under a minute left in regulation. It was then that Ryan Malone, former Pittsburgh Penguin got a breakaway with a tired Scott Hartnell chasing after him desperately without his stick. Hartnell threw his glove at Malone, and even though he missed with the glove Malone also missed his breakaway. He was then awarded a penalty shot by league rule which Marty Biron would turn away as the Flyers won in OT.
5. Joining the Trips Club for the First Time
In an 8-5 route of the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on April 3rd, 2009 Jeff Carter scored his first NHL hatty after scoring multiple goals many times before in his NHL career.
Other notable moments:
- April 4th, 2009: Darroll Powe scores on a penalty shot to bring the Flyers to overtime against the Ottawa Senators.
- January 27th, 2009: Claude Giroux scores first NHL goal in a tough loss to the Florida Panthers.
- March 20th, 2009: Danny Briere shows that he is once again healthy by scoring 2 goals against his former team, the Buffalo Sabres.
- December 20th, 2008: The Flyers, despite getting outshot, destroy the Washington Capitals in 7-1 fashion.
Flyers 2008-2009 Season Awards:
Before the Flyers clinched a 2009 postseason trip tonight against the Florida Panthers they had an award ceremony naming some outstanding performances of the season.
- Bobby Clarke Trophy (Team MVP): Mike Richards
- Barry Ashbee Trophy (Best Defenseman): Kimmo Timonen
- Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy (Most Improved Player): Darroll Powe
- Yanick Dupre Memorial Trophy (Displays Class Against Adversity): Danny Briere
- Gene Hart Memorial Trophy (Player Who Gives the Most Heart): Scott Hartnell
- Toyota Cup (Winner of Star of the Game Standings): Jeff Carter
I thought most of these players deserved what they got. The best choice in my opinion was Scott HARTnell winning the Gene HART Memorial Trophy by displaying the most HEART throughout the course of the season. He certainly earned it.
So by all means tell us your favorite moments this season or even tell us if you thought other players deserved certain trophies. “From all of us, to all of you. Gene Hart. Good night and good hockey.” -Gene Hart
