Can Ed Snider rally the Flyers vs. Capitals?
A large banner hangs on the side of Wells Fargo Center. It has an image of the Philadelphia Flyers’ later owner Ed Snider, intertwined with the team’s logo. His signature is on it, along with the words “Flyer Forever.”
His initials are placed behind each goal on the ice, and appear on the Flyers’ sweaters as they have all series. Flyers fans will be given the T-shirts seen here (via Chuck Gromley). There will be a lengthy remembrance of Snider before Game 3 on Monday night, including a three-minute video on his life.
It’s the first time the team and its fans have reconvened since his passing last week.
“I think we can use it to our advantage,” captain Claude Giroux said this week, via Wayne Fish. “It was a tough week last week. But we’re playing for Mr. Snider here. It’s going to be emotional, not only for the players, the staff and the organization, but also the fans. It’s going to be something.”
Defenseman Mark Streit agreed, via Philly.com: “It’s going to be very emotional before the game. I think we just have to find a way to use it as a positive and use that energy. He’s probably watching from somewhere upstairs. I mean, the best we can do is get a big win for him.”
The Capitals have a 2-0 lead in the series, but the return to Philly has always been the great unknown. What will the emotional boost mean for the Flyers? Could it carry them to their best performance of the series? Could it end up being overwhelming?
“We have to play well in the first 10, and keep our emotions in check,” said forward Brayden Schenn.
Of course, none of these emotions will matter of the Flyers can’t crack the code on Braden Holtby, the Capitals goalie who has turned aside 60 of 61 shots in this series. Against the Flyers the regular season, he was 2-0-2 with a .926 save percentage.
“Their goaltender has been very good, so what do you try to do to change that?” asked Flyers coach Dave Hakstol.
Look for traffic in front. Look for higher percentage shots. But if Holtby’s locked in again, the Flyers’ best chance (and last) chance to make this a series could be for naught.
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
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