Nice blog Jason, really appreciate the pics and the pizza,lol. Being a die hard Flyer fan living in Canada you have just reaffirmed that I am going to make a special trip one day to see a flyers game live in Philly. To see a game with all my heroes, Lauren Hart and that Pizza really adds up to a trip of a life time for me. Thanks for sharing your trip to Philly.

some nights he's more visible than others, which seems normal for his age. with the way simmonds and couts have broken out (one offensively one defensively) i think it's easy in comparison to think schenn isn't keeping up the pace... we all are hoping he'll have some sort of giant leap in development soon, but i am willing to be patient. i'm excited to see these young guys in the playoffs again... fingers crossed... they were so young last time around.
- -davies-

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure he will be a big name coming up.......just a matter of time. Flyers look great.....I will be rooting for you guys in the post season

Great blog and very happy to hear you had a good experience in Philly

Great blog!

Can't help but ignore the beautiful Carter goal to hush the Philly fans.

I'm pretty sure he had the last laugh.

Great article. Glad you enjoyed the trip. Washington will be a blast. It definitely makes things more fun getting the chance to watch a special talent like Ovie. It must have been cool to see a more experienced Simmonds and B. Schenn get a chance to play live.

I'm sure you enjoyed the national anthem experience. The fans absolutely love Lauren Hart mixed with Kate Smith.

Jason Lewis: Thanks Philadelphia, it was a Blast
- Jason_Lewis

It's not a trip to Philly without a cheesesteak or a friendly greeting from the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Thanks for your comments on the Philadelphia sports complex.....first time I was in town the Spectrum, The Vet and JFK Stadium were all still standing; amazing how they managed to integrate all the new facilities into the same area. I did get to see a Flyers game at what was then called the Core States Arena, but have to admit I enjoyed an AHL Phantoms game at the old Spectrum much more. Much of the upper deck was curtained off, but many of the locals seemed to disappear behind the curtains to enjoy some, uh, "exotic" cigarettes. Needless to say, they were far more relaxed and amiable than the stereotypical fanatic Philladelphia fan !

Nice write up.
I can't understand the hate towards Carts and Richey.
Mike Richards was my favorite player when he was in Philly, and Carter is so good he almost makes hockey look too easy. Love J Will too. Hated the trade way back when.

Glad you had a nice visit. Flyers fans are passionate and for both the good and bad, which you describe to a T.

Thanks for reacting to your actual experience and not doing a slam job. I've found generally fans who aren't obnoxious about their team are treated fine. Although that may not be entirely true for Penguins or Rangers fans (but maybe they're more often obnoxious?).

There were more Kings fans around than I expected. But they seemed to be treated well enough in my section. I did wonder why the Kings fan woman in the front row thought her single ticket would entitle her to a seat for her coat and another for her bag. Surely the Staples front row isn't usually empty?

Can you just explain to me what the hell happened to Mike Richards? Fourth-line center? He's got to be better than that?!?!?

I don't think I heard boos for Richie, but I don't think he was noticeable except on the kill.

The Carter boos weren't anywhere near the majority of fans. Most of us are sensible enough to know he didn't want to leave and had nothing to do with the trade to Columbus.

And I'd hope all of us are happy with Voracek, Schenn, and Simmonds.

Always hated the Justin Williams trade though. Love the guy. And in spite of his rather too frequent injuries, he's been a playoff beast both in Carolina and LA.

Can you just explain to me what the hell happened to Mike Richards? Fourth-line center? He's got to be better than that?!?!?



And I'd hope all of us are happy with Voracek, Schenn, and Simmonds.


- bodiva88

Yea Richards has had a tough go but the fourth line job he currently has isn't really a fourth line job. If you look at the ice time breakdown the kings have been rolling centers with Carter, Kopitar, Stoll and Richards with very similar ice time. I think part of it is to try and give the top guys a little rest and to continue to roll four threatening lines. It's not a demotion per se since his minutes are still relatively strong.

I actually noticed how much bigger Simmer looked in warm ups. Much more filled out, not as lanky and thin. Really has beefed up. Always was a strong possession player and that extra muscle has helped him get a ton better. Great to see.

i think in most arenas, the fans are respectful if you are too. i've watched numerous kings/sharks tilts at the tank, and even in last year's playoffs, and even wearing my kings jersey, avid fans around me were top notch. even at the bars before and after, no incidents. you should expect to get razzed a bit, but its all in good natured fun. everyone wants to see a good hard game.