Mrs. Irvin’s Tech Page

Here is another lesson in blogging, reflecting and sharing feelings even when it’s difficult. After the Flyers’ loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, I have spent time thinking about how to react to the season. So here is my reaction:

Last year the Flyers ended their season in last place, that’s 30th out of 30 teams in the NHL. The 2007-2008 hockey season was a sad one. Not only did the Flyers finish last, but Lord Stanley’s Cup went to the Anaheim Ducks! Ducks, really?? OK, I’m over that now, but the season had very few glimmers of hope for the Flyers. However, when we began this past season, there was speed, tighter passing and stronger goal tending. With that said, there was no thought in my mind of getting to the playoffs or being strong contenders. This was a year to build and grow. Never did I, or anyone else possibly, imagine that we would make it to final four, let alone 6th place in the Eastern Conference. I was thinking, “If we can just win a few more games than last year.”

So, can I be angry or upset that the team that my team who flopped last year, would lose in the third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, no way. I look at how we got there and am amazed. First of all, we finished 6th in the Eastern Conference after having a bit of a losing streak, OK, a HUGE losing streak in February. But with fight and vigor, this team got us into the playoffs. Then we had to face the Washington Capitals, who finished 3rd, followed by the Montreal Canadiens, who finished first. Yes, first. We defeated the 3rd place team and the 1st place team in the Eastern Conference. The team that stopped us, finished 2nd. Amazing.

My final reflection is this: We have a young team, with many tenacious players. If they were able to get this far this year, where will they go next year. Hopefully, Holmgren will keep Carter and Prospal, as they become free agents this summer. Hopefully we can enter next season with the same tenacity and speed that we had during the end of this season.

I am taking a moment to step away from the lab and talk about the Flyers. I know there are many Flyers fans here at school, so I thought I would show you how to use a blog in a different way: to talk and share your opinion about something you love!

The Flyers are a few days away from the Eastern Conference Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The last two series they played against the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens were breathtaking. It was exhilarating to watch the Flyers play with tenacity and resiliency. There were times we all had to hold our breath and hope they could pull off a win, which most times they did. For the first time in 4 years, they are getting closer to the cup. After last year’s awful dive to last place in the league, it feels pretty good to see the boys in orange and black knocking out their opponents.

Now the Flyers face Crosby, Malkin, and Hossa, three high-level, skilled players, whom I believe will give us a good series. Last year we lost every game we played against the Pens. This year, with team rebuilding and direction from coach John Stevens, we won 5 of 8. Bring on the Pens. If ever our Philadelphia Flyers were ready, it’s now.

Marty Biron is at the top of his game. R.J. Umberger is finding the back of the net game after game. Prospal and Briere are connecting and making plays. I could go on and on about many more of our players. We don’t just have three stars on our team (as the Pens do), we have depth on each line that hits the ice.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming series?

Let’s go Flyers!