The Philadelphia Flyers are moving on to the East Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, the fifteenth time in team history, after beating the Montreal Canadiens 6-4 in Game 5 of their semifinal playoff series tonight in Montreal. Scottie Upshall scored the game winning goal with 3:04 left to go in regulation, deflecting a shot by Jeff Carter passed Canadiens’ goalie Carey Price.
Montreal scored just 4:29 into the first period on a power play goal by Thomas Plekanec, giving the Habs their first lead in the series. R.J. Umberger extended his consecutive game goal scoring streak to five when he tied the game at one. Alexei Kovalev reclaimed the Canadiens’ lead when a wraparound shot by Maxim Lapierre bounced off his skate and in. Montreal would go on to score another goal, making the score 3-1, putting the Flyers in a hole that may send them back to Philadelphia for Game 6. It was not to be.
Mike Richards and Scott Hartnell scored as the Flyers got three …
After all of the controversy surrounding his contract, Lito Sheppard decided to be the bigger man and report to mandatory training camp. It’s so rare to see nowadays, a player that actually works through problems with the team instead of holding out. Yes, he is disgruntled that his starting position was taken away on the first day of free agency, but I believe his contract is more than enough considering his injury history. Sheppard has missed 19 regular season games in his 6-year career, not to mention all of the playoff games he’s missed with late season injuries and he still was paid. So I say his real beef should be with how the situation was handled, with the giving away of his starting position and how he has been on the trading block since then only to not be traded. No one can dispute with what Andy Reid has done by giving the starting cornerback position to Asante Samuel, he’s just flat …
It seems like an eternity since Jimmy Rollins suffered a high ankle sprain against the Mets. That was April 8th, and while it’s been less then a month, and the Phillies are in first place, Rollins is sorely missed.
Well there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. Rollins took infield practice yesterday, and will head to Clearwater on Sunday for some rehab games before returning to the Phillies lineup.
The Phillies have been very cautious with Rollin’s recovery, and don’t want him back in action until he’s 100%. An ankle sprain can aggravate all season, and Rollins missing additional time now (especially given how the Phillies are winning), is more beneficial then losing the reigning MVP down the stretch.
Rollins will play at least two games for the Threshers, and barring no flare ups, will be back on the field by weeks end. Rollins hopes to be able to play in the Phillies final game against the Diamondback on Thursday, but that still might be too much to ask. But …
Last night Philadelphia showed some Brotherly Love to a former favorite. Aaron Rowand made his long awaited return to Philadelphia. Known for his hard-nosed play and clubhouse leadership, Rowand was a fan favorite. He almost single-handedly beat the Phillies, but it was Pat Burrell stole the show as the Phillies won in dramatic fashion 6-5 in ten innings.
The Phillies got it going early. With one on in the bottom of the first, Chase Utley took Giants starter Pat Misch deep (his major league-leading 12th home run), giving the Phillies an early 2-0 lead.
When Rowand made his first at-bat of the game in the top of the second, he was treated to a two-minute standing ovation. Not what you’d call stereotypical for Philadelphia sports fans. When a player leaves Philadelphia, they become the enemy and all love is forgotten. Not in the case of Rowand. Although, when he struck out he received a similar ovation as he walked back to the visitors’ dugout.
In the top of the fourth, Rowand’s second at-bat, he …
