Do you like the title? It’s an attempt at levity to hide my utter shock/sadness/anger (Shanger?) regarding the trade of Simon Gagne for a former Smashing Pumpkins drummer and a half eaten bag of Funyuns. Okay, I just did a quick fact check and apparently it’s a different, far more irrelevant, Matt Walker. Since the other part of this blockbuster move is a 4^th round pick, seeing a half eaten bag of Funyuns working its way through the Flyers farm system in the near future cannot be ruled out. Ideally, it’ll retire early and take over as General Manager for Paul Holmgren. I’m not going to bore you with a lot of “knowing a lot about hockey” like those other bloggers, I’ll let the guys at Flyers Fan Central do that (download their Droid App). What I will do is lay out some simple truths of the situation just to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Losing Gagne is upsetting and was unnecessary: I get that the salary cap was basically hit, but there are other things you can do. For instance, we have about eight mediocre goalies at this point; take them all out behind the Spectrum and shoot two. My plan kills two birds with one stone: we no longer need to pay two people and we’ll have six mediocre goalies literally playing for their lives (Win/Win). This trade is still not at the level of the Donovan McNabb trade, but it’s pretty damn close. The Flyers at least traded Gagne with his dignity intact. The Eagles felt it was best to sell NcNabb via a Craigslist ad. Some where between the St. Louis Rams turning down the trade and the Oakland Raiders denying any interest I think the Florida Tuskers of UFL fame must have been picking up the phone. This Gagne trade isn’t that bad, but it’s worse than watching Charles Barkley in a Phoenix Suns jersey (I’m not going to talk about the whole Brian Dawkins situation). Eric Lindros I was happy to be rid of. Rod Brind’Amour I just wanted to see happy. But Gagne was fine where he was, he wanted to stay, and his Myspace page is awesome.

You’re not going to like Matt Walker: Don’t bother trying, just start hating him now. Sure, he say that he’s excited, “to be back in a hockey town”. He won’t be; when everyone hates him. He can score 80 game winning goals. If we lose the 81^st people will talk about how Gags would have buried it. If he races to the 30^th floor of a burning hospital to save a floor full of veterans, babies and puppies Gags would have just stopped the fire and built another hospital. Sorry Matt, you’re just not winning this one. Your best move may be just to go down injured. That way we’ll have our scapegoat and you can just sit around and talk about how it sucks not to be able to help the team (again Win/Win). Luckily for whatever piece of meat we pick up in the 4^th round, they’ll be so far removed from this situation that hardly anyone will heckle them as they go about their job at the local Appleby’s  (Google “famous 4th round NHL picks”).

Simon Gagne will hoist the cup: I want to end on a good note here, so just know that Gags will get his. If Philadelphia sports teams were as good at assessing and getting what they actually need as they are at trading key pieces to other teams as they are being a Philadelphia sports fan might actually be enjoyable. Historically one of our best skills has been to trade players to future championship teams. So rest assured we not only gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a great player, but we most likely took enough weight of their salary cap so they can make some moves and make a series run. Maybe they can beat us in the playoffs and injure Jeff Carter in the process. Who know, the sky’s the limit on this one really (Win/EpicFAIlL).

For a brief stint the BCS gods looked to be ready to rip apart the Big 12. As a Big East fan I can relate; normally they’re calling for our collective head in the off season. Thankfully it’ll be at least five more months until Lee Corso calls for Big East to step aside so the latest hot minor conference can finally have their shot at a perennially power, so soak it in while you can. We take it as an annual right of passage that the Big East is always facing extinction, but what does it mean from a school perspective when they talk about restructuring and where should a fan stand if their team enters the fray? I’m going to use three area teams to show the different effects movement can have.

Temple Owls: Bring on the rains!

As a temple fan, or perhaps the temple owl fan, you probably know your team has fallen on rough times (you could also use the phrase “sucks’). After being unceremoniously tossed from the Big East in 2004 you wondered around as an independent until you finally limped into the MAC. While your national sporting presence was buoyed for sometime by your basketball program; you’ve slipped almost completely into obscurity.

Anything that upsets the status quo is great news for you. As things are now, you’re boned. In the current system you’ll never get back to a Major Conference and you’re unlikely to stay competitive even in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The best case scenario is carnage, a sinking titan may grab on to you to keep itself afloat. While this may mean you end up in a geographic miss-match, essentially killing your non money earning sports, your football team may get into greener pastures in the process. In the perfect scenario a hobbled Big East is forced to come crawling back after being ransacked by a southern conference, this would mean the northeast would open up significantly for you. Maybe a disgraced coach with some recruiting juice left waltz’s in to turn the program around. A couple of wins and a Bill Cosby telethon might get you into a bowl game people will actually know is happening.

In the same boat: Seton Hall, St Johns, Depaul, Providence, Syracuse

Villanova Wildcats: I don’t check the weather…

Aside from Brian Westbrook, your ex-player roster is largely anonymous, and your football team wasn’t even picked up by the Big East with your basketball team. But your basketball team is a national powerhouse, and is the last truly strong member of the Philadelphia Big 5. You’ve also come off a National Championship in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Sit back, relax, and let everyone else worry. One of the major differences between you and Temple is that you’re football team is actually thriving in the CAA and wants no part of a stronger football division. You probably will keep an eye on what Georgetown is doing, but even then with the number of out-of-conference games a basketball team plays each year, why bother moving? Truth of the matter is that no one will let your gridiron gang play in their reindeer games and at most likely you’ll end up a filler for a conference like the Big 10 to add credence to a laughable in conference schedule.

In the same boat: Syracuse, Connecticut, Notre Dame, Marquette

Rutgers Red Raiders: Find higher ground

This is where I may get some push back, assuming Jon reads anything I write. Head coach Greg Schiano has managed to recruit in the fertile areas of NJ, NY, and PA aka “your backyard”. This is something no one before him could do. While you’re still unable to beat more established Big East powerhouses like the Mountaineers of West Virginia University you have stepped into the national spotlight, so much so that other teams have already tried to steal your coach.

You have the most to lose from a major restructuring of the conference landscape. Why? Remember this phrase, “Big Fish, Little Pond”. Yes, you’ve done well the past few years but you’re still located in Piscataway, NJ, better known as, “where the fuck is that, NJ”. Your key to fame is the same thing that was your key to failure; you’re now getting players from NJ/NY to stay. If you move to a new conference, that will all go away. Schiano leaves if he’s in the Big 10 or Big 12. He goes to Texas, Florida, or Ohio where he continues to recruit players from this area. Rutgers will go back to not recruiting players from this area, and back to the type of obscurity only Middle Jersey can produce. With no other major sports to fall back on, and crippling travel costs for your teams caused by poor attention to geography, you’ll become a shadow. Keep in mind you’re in the same conference where the South Florida Bulls are always contenders, don’t mistake that with being able to play with the Longhorns in Texas. Don’t believe me? Maybe you’ll listen to TLC.

 In the same boat: Louisville, Cincinnati, South Florida

          This started off as a Philly pride piece. I was going to talk about how proud I am of the Philadelphia Flyers and their season. I planned on dissecting how the play of Danny Briere and Jeff Carter was amazing and that Mike Richards’ ability to not only coexist, but even bond, with Chris Pronger shows that he’ll continue to be a great captain for the foreseeable future. My plan was to even go on a limb and say that I wasn’t upset about us losing, that just getting there was enough. After waiting over 24 hours this article should still largely echo those sentiments. That being said, never in my entire life have I wished so hard for someone to close their legs.

          No seriously, Michael Leighton, why will you not just shut your legs? I feel like I’m a dad on “16 and Pregnant” right before Prom. I’ll grant you that some of the saves you made were ridiculous. Yes, we were out shot in several circumstances and poor play on defense and power play did not help, but hasn’t anyone ever mentioned to you that your butterfly leaves a gaping five hole? If only every girl I’ve ever dated had the same issue (the leg closing one, not the poor butterfly mechanics).

          The most frustrating part is that you were a Chicago Blackhawk. Patrick Sharp took every opportunity to make us regret letting him go. Even Patrick Kane played like he had some pent up rage over how we treated his fellow No. 88, Eric Lindros, (I’m not sure of anything the city of Philadelphia ever did to Dale Earnhardt Jr.). You however played with no sense of urgency. While Antti Noemi was over there rolling around on the ground stopping everything that came at him high, which was where he was supposed to be weak, you consistently could not stop low shots flying 80 mph at your crotch. 

          I’m not dropping this entire thing on your shoulders and I don’t agree with you getting pulled twice in favor of Brian Boucher when the game was already lost. That type of move doesn’t show any faith, and paints you as fragile. They definitely did not do you any favors. As I’ve mentioned I’m not psyched about our power play, and Pronger did take penalties at the most inopportune times but these are issues that can be fixed. A play off goalie is the bedrock of a team. While they may not win the most Conn Smythe trophies, they’re the player you invariably remember.

          Years from now we won’t remember all the goals they scored; we’ll remember all the ones we didn’t. The worst part is, I don’t have an obvious answer. Last year I was calling for Jose Theodore from the Washington Capitals but with two years and two chokes I’m not sure he’s the answer. He’s more of an answer to the platoon of existing goalies we have. It’s because of you and because of Jeremy Roenick’s commentary, “I made it once, everyone and lost. Everyone said not to worry about it, that we’d get back next year, we never did” that I can’t drum up a lot of enthusiasm about next year.

I know that the Philadelphia Eagles stomped the New York Giants last week, but other teams might not have faired as well against New York teams. Maybe your sports week went even further south and your college team may have lost, to a conference opponent, after finally working their way into the top 25 rankings. Sure your fantasy team may have one, improving you to 7-1 on the season, but that’s really does nothing to console you right now. Anyway, the past is the past. Rather than stewing in depression this weekend lets try to put on a stiff upper lip and knock out Satan’s favorite team: The Dallas Cowboys. There’s still a lot to live for. A win this week would put us in the driver’s seat as far as the division is concerned and seriously; I hate the fucking Cowboys. So cut off your play off beard, dry up those tears and let’s get this thing going.

People are going to talk trash. You’re going to have to let them. There’s no point in talking about whose team pays more for their roster. Don’t try to fight back by telling them that back to back World Series wins almost never happens. Please don’t mention the number 27. Any type of come back is only going to dig you deeper and unless you feel like brawling, which I cannot openly condone, you’re going to have to deal with the fact that the last game was not our best showing, and it happened at possibly the most inopportune time, against one of the worst teams possible. At least when the Eagles lost to the Oakland Raiders it was buried somewhere in the 4 pm games. No one seemed to notice. Except for the Raiders, they seemed more surprised than anything. You just have to deal with it. You can’t change the past, so lets move forward.

That’s why you must focus on Sunday, we can win on Sunday. We can win on Sunday AND we’re playing the bastard Cowboys. We’re talking about the team that is hated more than any other. The team that when Michael Irvin went down and had to be carted off we threw battery balls at his lifeless body. The best part about it; after the ass kicking we handed them last year they’re going to be circling this game as must win. We could throw off the Cowboy’s season, with one stroke and we’re only at week nine! This is exciting people! Sure, we could have had another ring if Brad Lidge could have just held it together (expect to hear this often from me in the upcoming months, and year). But wouldn’t it be almost as great to see the sad Tony Romo face? You know you’re going to be excited to see the “what’s going on” Wade Phillips face. While you won’t admit it, I bet there’s even a part of you that wouldn’t mind seeing the “I think I broke my leg” Miles Austin face. Embrace it! That’s the Philly hate that people expect from us and the best way to get over a broken heart is to break someone else’s hear, or appendage.

If you live in Mecca, Sunday will probably resemble something of an Irish Wake. While everyone is sad, they’ll be raucous over the present and the future. If you’re like me and living out in the winds it’s far more likely that local fans, and everyone that’s not an Eagles fan, will try to give you trouble about the Philadelphia Phillies. I’m not going to talk about why because I too am in the process of healing. For whatever reason people love to see Philly fans cry, don’t give them the pleasure simply point to the scoreboard. If the Iggles are losing then point to your beer and chug it or point to his shirt like he has a stain on it then when he looks down run your hand up into his face (classic). But whatever you do don’t get down, there are still plenty of Philly teams left to disappoint you this year (sorry had to get that last bit of negativity out).

There is truth in advertising. Monday Night Football is the lone saving grace of Monday, especially with John Gruden and the Ron “The Polish Rifle” Jaworski as ex-Philadelphia Eagles bookends dominating the booth. This week MNF is that much more awesome because the Philadelphia Eagles will actually be playing. The good news is; you know that game will be on TV. The bad news; if you don’t live in Philadelphia you’re boss may actually expect you to be productive on Tuesday. So while you try to avoid banal conversations about your co-workers’ weekends start mapping out the rest of the week. You’ll need to be careful if you want to keep this week from becoming one long train wreck.

If you didn’t go out yesterday to watch the games then you’re ahead of the game. All you’ll need to do is get the work you normally finish on Tuesday done in the beginning of the week. If you’re like me and ended up going out because you were unusually vested in the Kansas City Chiefs then it could be a bit trickier. You’ll want to consider writing off as much of this week as possible. Tuesday you’ll be beat from Monday night. Wednesday you’ll be preparing for game 1 of the World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees, which to be honest already has my full attention. Thursday you’ll be tired from Wednesday and will then be waiting for game 2. Finally on Friday you’ll be exhausted from Wednesday and Thursday and it’ll be the day before Halloween. Face it, if you’re not hustling today you’re not going to anything for the rest of the week. Look to have pockets of productivity Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Given there’s about a 70% chance that Thursday will turn into a Thirsty Thursday, I can’t stress the importance of dropping Friday like it’s hot.

Don’t be tempted by the illusion that having people over will be cheaper and easier that going out. If you believe that then you’re lying to yourself. If you’d like to stay home and watch the game, that’s fine. But don’t think that if you have people over it’ll end up better than if you’d just gone out in the first place. In this economy you can’t guarantee that all of your friends will have work on Tuesday. You’re bound to have one guy that either doesn’t have to work on Tuesday or drinks like he doesn’t. Either way you’ll have someone at your house until at least 2 am and you’re house will be a mess in the morning. Just go to a bar. It doesn’t even need to be your normal Sunday haunt, it just needs to have some TVs. On Mondays every place is going to have specials so, in the long run, going to a bar will save you time and money. In extreme cases I authorize you to go to a corporate bar, but please don’t tell me about it, keep your shame to yourself.

With the Washington Redskins playing as poorly as they have this should be a relatively easy win for the Eagles. Of course, I would have said that last week against the Oakland Raiders. Go out and have fun but make sure to not blow your load too early in the week. There’s a lot of Philly sport to watch this week. Beating yourself up tonight will only cost you more on Thursday.

There are really two strategies towards maximum Philidelphia Eagles Sunday Funday goodness. The first, as I discussed last week is finding your Eagles watching castle, then populating it with fellow Reidaphiliacs. The other is finding a group and taking a more nomadic approach; moving form bar to bar until you find the DeSean Jackson to your Donovan McNabb. Finding a good group can only amplify the good qualities of a bar, such as: atmosphere, prices, and the size of TV that the Eagles game is on. It can also insulate you from outside influences, such as people who root for the local team or, god forbid, non-football watchers. This week complete domination of your local gin mill is imperative. In addition to the normal Eagles party, the Philadelphia Phillies play Sunday. If you watched game one, you know you’ll want to watch it. This means you need control of at least two big screen TVs, not including side TVs for fantasy reports and big plays. You’re not going to get this on your own, finding a group is going to be the only way to get the amount of sports it will take to fulfill your Philly appetite this weekend. This week I’m going to rate some strategies to help you get the most muscle out of your group.

First step: You need to decide if you want to be the Alpha or join an existing group. Joining an existing group means all of your hard work scouting tap houses will go by the way side. The good news is, if you join a strong group, you’ll get better specials and be with strong numbers. On the other hand if you want to strike it out on your own you’ll have the ability to add anyone and everyone you see fit, including people from rival teams, girlfriends, and Emo kids. Established groups may not be as accepting of these groups as you are. You also want to keep in mind that starting your own group means you’re the first one there and the last to leave every Sunday. This can lead to increased bar tabs and decreased productivity on Mondays. For the purposes of this article we’ll assuming you’re starting out by yourself, with a dream in your mind and a dive bar in your heart.

Strategy: Empty Bar, automatic numbers…

Required People: 2+

Comments: This is the lazy man’s way to a watching party. Grab a buddy and go to a bar that no one else will and tell them to put on some games. This is also the least efficient way to go about the whole thing. There’s a reason no one else is there; the bar sucks. It could be the service, the specials, the tap selection, or the TV, who knows. What I do know is that people don’t avoid bars because they’re awesome. Since the Eagles are the late game and the Phillies are on TBS this could probably work, but Reggie White is watching and he’s ashamed of you.

Rating: Freddie “Fredex” Mitchell

Strategy: Well we’re not local team fans, so let’s hang out!

Required People: 5+

Comments: If you have a bunch of transplants that you work with, or know socially, from different cities uniting against a common enemy can be effective and fun. It’s easier and faster than trying to search out Eagles fans and as long as everyone is a good sport you should be able to have a broader spectrum of shit talking than you’re used to. These types of groups are difficult to maintain and control though. For each team represented an additional TV must be added. There’s also the difference of TV Schedule and differing bye weeks. If you’re starting one of these groups be prepared to be at the bar from at least 12:30 to 7 pm. On a good weekend for the teams represented this can turn into a brutal binge drinking marathon followed by a sick day. These types of groups require large sports bars, which are often corporate and therefore have lawyers who force them into not giving good drink specials. If you really like the people this can be worth it, but this group is going to be a lot of work and totally swing your emphasis off of the Eagles.

Rating: Hank Baskett (pre Kendra)

Strategy: I know you, you’re an Eagles fan!

Required People: N/A

Comments: In this strategy you simply go with what you know. If you live close to Philly and live in a major city, or even Pittsburgh, chances are you know other people in the area that are Eagles fans. This group could be composed of college or high school friends, people who you knew through sports or other activities. It could even involved people who you generally avoided but are now forced to coexist with. Chances are, if you live in the northeast, you’re either in, or have been in, this kind of group. Friend groups are a solid, no hassle, choice for Eagles enjoyment. The only draw backs of this style of group are that it requires background in the Philly area and doesn’t really force you to meet people in your new city. In short, this is good but not great.

Rating: Kevin Curtis

Strategy: With an NFL package my house is an Eagles bar!

Required People: 10+

Comments: There’s definitely some big play potential here. Obviously, outside of the subscription this is going to be the cheapest option. If you get people to chip into a fund every week or have everyone bring things over you can have a great time every week. You do have to keep the numbers high though; otherwise you’re having a watch get-together, or box social, which would be lame. There’s also the fact that drunks spilling drinks and knocking into walls in a bar is funny, them spilling drinks on your couch and knocking pictures off of your walls; not as entertaining. Be prepared to have serious mop up duty every Sunday night and still expect your house to smell like Cheers Monday morning.

Ratings: DeSean Jackson

Strategy: Innovate, Dominate!

Required People 20+

Comments: This is the Cadillac of Eagles watch groups. It also requires the most time and commitment. In this group you create a network and draw in fragmented Eagles groups throughout your area to create one large earth moving group, capable of demanding specials and whole floors of bars. Normally these types of groups form from a Curtis level group, the members eventually get tired of being mistreated and rally to pull in their brothers and sisters. This type of group is not for the faint of heart, it requires dedication and work throughout the week, beyond simply drinking beers at random bars, but if you can form one you’ll have one hell of a watch party this Sunday and can even negotiates bus trips to games and tail gates.

Rating: Brian Westbrook riding a Unicorn.

In the next stop on the ghosts of play-offs past tour tonight the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Los Angeles Dodgers (8:07 pm EDT) for the National League Crown. This year the Dodgers are better and we can’t take a 2-0 lead at home before going to LA. Still the Phillies haven’t spent the season resting on their laurels, and again there’s that pesky on the road record the Phils have that really makes it difficult to count them out no matter what ball park their playing in. There’s also the clutch hitting the Phightin’s showed in the top of 9^th to clench game four against the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers, however, are better than the Colorado Rockies by at least two games. I’ll let ESPN catch you up on the past, here’s what you should look for this time around.

Pitching: This will be as big a deal as people make it out to be. Bull pen pitching will make or break the Phillies. We can win if we don’t use our pen and can hit off of theirs, we’ll lose if we get mired if five inning starts followed by platooning of battered pitchers. Ninth inning rallies simply do not happen to the pitching staff of the LA Dodgers, and while Brad Lidge finally turned some lights off in game four, his road to redemption won’t end until mid November (at the very least). This entire season people have harped on the pitching of Philly, and in many cases it’s been overblown, this is not one of those times. Going into LA and giving up runs won’t be acceptable. Our pitching staff needs to immediately calm down and be willing to let our fielders protect them, which is why I really like Pedro Martinez in game two of this series. Do not expect high scoring games and expect us to have to fight for every hit. Watch pitch counts as the higher they get the shorter the outing.

Celebrities behind home plate: This is hands down Dodgers. Last year was a veritable who’s who of uninterested celebrities. It was like the red carpet, while awards for technical editing announced. Never the less watching Chevy Chase talking on his phone through much of the 5^th and then having Emilio Estevez, starting Mighty Ducks chants through the later innings as he struggles to stay relevant isn’t going to help anyone. Watch for these celebrities to be disinterested by having to enjoy the exploits of others. You can also expect several cuts to a disproportionately intense John Cusak who seems to attend games for, and be a huge fan of, almost every team that exists. Don’t be disheartened by this clear star power of the Dodgers, Philadelphia games will have their own glitterati! The cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia could come to a game! Maybe even Vince Papale, who gained fame by being played by Mark “Marky Mark” Wahlberg in a movie about the Philadelphia Eagles.

Be patient, and then go to your HOME: The Phillies stranded far too many people against the Rockies. Since the pitching should make for barren hitting we can’t leave people stranded in scoring position, or even first if we can avoid it. Our numbers with runners in scoring position nosedived in the first series but don’t worry there’s an easy fix: BE PATIENT! This means no first pitch foul fly outs with men in scoring position; I’m looking at you Pedro Feliz. The best weapon against good pitching is not good hitting; it’s patient hitting. You’re simply not going to get many home run balls off of this staff. The best way to produce bad pitches is work pitch counts. Making a pitcher through five or six pitches per batter is going to lead to mis-located pitches and a short start. The more they use that great bull pen, the less great it will be. Since everyone knows we’re not going to use small ball to manufacture runs, which really grinds my gears, we’ll need to manufacture bad pitches.

A complete lack of knowledge about the Dodgers: Things west of the Mississippi are a complete mystery to people living east of it. It’s a proven fact. Since all media we consume outside of movies is based in the east we simply don’t get the exposure. Unless you’re an avid baseball fan look to be surprised by who is on the Dodgers team, and the interesting stories the broadcasters will force feed you. Many of you may have thought that it was primarily Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez playing catch. Not the case! The Dodgers actually plan on fielding a full line up this series against the Phils. Expect to be impressed by the hardship and adversity they’ve faced in their personal and professional lives throughout their careers.

Cole Hamels’ baby: Seriously, if you see him sitting around unattended watch out for him, maybe alert security.

Series Prediction: Hamels’ indignation, which I may have mentioned at the start of the last series, is going to start looking pretty silly if he doesn’t start winning. Though it’s unlikely we’re taking two in LALA land and Martinez is continually playing for a contract and this is the biggest stage. I’m a huge fan of the three game homestand, it gives us a chance to neutralize any moment them might have and actually game a lead. Unfortunately, for my heart, I see this going seven. Fortunately for my city I think the Phillies can pull it out.

After the Philadelphia Phillies win to move on to the NLCS the first thing that comes to mind is football, right? It is if you’re involved in logistics planning for Philadelphia. In what may be the ultimate jinx ever, The Philadelphia Eagles game will be moved to accommodate the possibility of a game 4 World Series game in Philly. This move also effects the start time of the Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers game the same day, assuming Brett Favre allows it. This is actually an uncharacteristically nimble move by the NFL, and the City of Brotherly Love. They realized that, perhaps, having two capacity crowds try to change places was not the best move. Obviously this won’t solve the problem of most people who go to the Eagles game staying around for the Phillies game and there still won’t be any where to park, or move, but I digress. The really interesting part is who we may play that day. The Eagles will be playing the New York Giants. Bud Selig, the MLB and all of baseball fandom [should] pray the Phillies play the New York Yankees. This would bring the full brunt of New York like a Nor Eastern of cheese balls and Jager bombs on to the city that Ben Franklin built but it would be the best thing for the team and the sport.

Phillies fans should welcome the prospect because if we beat the Los Angeles Dodgers and make it to back to back World Series who would you want to play; the Yankees. It would silence the last hold outs that think 2008 was a fluke, or a down year for baseball, and it would be a game that people would actually see. Outside of the Philadelphia and Tampa Bay markets last year’s World Series was largely a flop from a TV ratings stand point. By flop I mean regular season Football games kicked its ass and reruns of Friends were even, winning if Rachel and Ross were together in that episode. If the number of Yankees, and Boston Red Sox laundry out there is any indication of how many people care about the Yankees run in the post season then there are quite a few, of course scientists are still unsure if the number of Yankees and Saux gear bought actually correlates in any way with the number of fans of either team but since we’re still looking at something that might happen there’s no reason to look into how much we all dislike bandwagon fans or which group is more annoying (Red Sox).

The fact of the matter is that either team would bring in monster national ratings (Boston can largely thank ESPN for this phenomenon). Much larger national numbers than the Anaheim Angels, oops! If you don’t believe me just think about last night. The Phillies were in a nail biting battle with the Rockies that exploded in the bottom of the 8^th and top of the 9^th. How many of you were still keeping up with the New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins game enough to catch Pat White on the field? You may not have known it was him because he was wearing #6 which is different than the #5 he donned at his Alma Mater, West Virginia University. Did you know that they were celebrating Latin Heritage month? How many of you actually caught the box score of the Phillies game this morning when you were checking your fantasy stats? Don’t feel like a bad fan football is king. So while the football fan on you is already salivating at a shot at the Giants, the baseball fan, of any team outside of Los Angeles, should want two teams with national names up there. Thanks to the profit sharing agreement it’ll help every team in both leagues. This way the Kansas City Royals will have more money to throw at a player whose name you’ll probably never hear.

I know that we all love how football makes getting drunk on Sundays socially acceptable but that doesn’t mean you should through back shots at just any old ram shack. Remember when you’re not in Philly every bar is not a Philadelphia Eagles bar. In a foreign city you’re competing with not only local fans but other transplants and even people that don’t watch football, trust me they do exist! Locating a steady, Eagle friendly, dive will not only increase the fun you have during the game, it can also lighten the load on your wallet. Getting to know the bartenders leads to comped, and strong, drinks. Find a good bar can be trial and error, but rather than waste all of that time just take use my helpful hints to avoid any wasted time.

Don’t be a sucker for specials. Nickel a wing is great and all but not if you have to sit through the Cleveland Browns vs. Saint Louis Rams game because that’s the one o’clock game on Fox. Saving money isn’t any good if you’re keeping track of the game via texts from your friends. Also, don’t just go to your usual bar because it’s good the other six days of the week. True, Sundays are about loyalty; loyalty to the Eagles not your corner pub. You owe it to yourself and the Birds to find an Eagles bar that is as glorious as the team you root for, do not just settle!

If you drank here, you'd be sloshed by now

Finding a good bar can be a long pain staking process. Be prepared to put grueling hours of bar hopping and boozing. You may want to start doing curls with your left arm so that it won’t get tired from lifting your beer, or shot, from the bar to your mouth. Bar hopping is the best way to get to know the ale houses in your area. This process kills two Cowboys with one stone because you’re not only finding a solid Eagles viewing station, you’re also going to find good every day haunts.

As you’re moving from bar to bar pay attention to flags and banners. In major cities bar owners will use these to advertise what teams they root for. Also be aware of the various tschokies and nick nacks on the wall. A lot of one team most likely means that you’re in a bar that’s already staked by a team. If you find a place that’s tempting make sure to ask the bartender if he has Sunday Ticket or the football package; no package no good. Don’t be scared to ask people wearing Philadelphia Phillies, or Flyers hats or shirts. This can be a great way to get insider information and meet fellow watchers.

When it comes to Sunday it’s time to put your hard work to the test. It’s best to pick out two places in close proximity to each other to watch. That way if one sucks you have a back up, you can even switch at half time if you’re feeling adventurous. If you walk in and there’s no definable team influence you may want to leave and keep looking u

ntil you find Eagles pay dirt. Never settle for a corporate restaurant like a Friday’s or Ruby Tuesdays, that shit is weak! Unless you have a good group together watching with a group of fans that root for different teams can turn into a binge drinking fest which, while fun, will not help Donovan McNabb’s rib heal any faster! No matter what day it is always tip your bartender. [Insert the obligatory line about not drinking and driving here.]

The Philadelphia Flyers came out swinging in their home opener against the play-off caliber Washington Capitals in what boiled down to a shoot out between Alex Ovechikin and Flyers captain Mike Richards. Richards won, propelling his team to a 6-5 in overtime. The Flyers left with a 3-0-0 record and a hat trick for Richards. The Caps left with a disappointing loss and continued goaltender uncertainty between Jose Theodore and youngster Simeon Varlemov who shined in last years playoffs. The flyers scored four goals in the second, chasing Varlemov from the net. “The atmosphere was awesome,” said long time Flyers fan and season ticket holder Ryan Myers, “Early in the game it was clear that both teams’ hockey sense had matured. In previous years, when both teams were younger, they came out as pure energy; they were all go, go, go. Last night, there was a noticeable change in style and pace and a hint of tentativeness in the early period but both teams found their form in the 2^nd.

The first period showcased the talents of Varlamov and Ray Emery, who continues to prove himself game by game with quick post to post movements and even quicker reflexes. Both goalies made difficult saves, stone walling enough opportunities to baffle forwards on both ends. The Flyers penalty kill, which would come up huge in the beginning of over time, stoned a Caps power play that had been operating at above a 33% success rate.

The flood gates opened in the second period with both teams combining for seven goals. Mike Richards opened the scoring early off of a brilliant pass from defenseman Matt Carle on the powerplay. While the crowd was still celebrating the go ahead goal, the persistent Ovechkin reminded everyone why he is one of the best in the world. Ovie “capitalized” on one of a few turnovers by the Flyers defense and ripped a wrist shot past Ray Emery to tie the game. From here out it was the Richards and Ovechkin show, with guest appearances by the dynamic duo of Alexander Semin and Niklas Backstrom-who are 2^nd and 3^rd in overall points to Ovechkins already league leading 9 and the lovably hairy Scott Hartnell. The remainder of the second period saw a lapse in the defenses of both teams as the lead was achieved and subsequently lost a total of 7 times. The period was capped off (pun intended) when Richards scored his third of period and recorded only his second ever hat trick.

The Flyers escaped to the dressing room with a less than comfortable 4-3 lead heading into the third stanza. Although appreciation rained down from the fans, Flyers head coach John Stevens would have liked his team to be in better control. “We don’t want to get involved in a track meet with the Pittsburghs [Penguins] and the Washingtons of the world,” said Stevens. “I think we’re built just a little bit differently, but we do have an exciting offensive team and I think you saw that.

The third period began with raucous overconfidence by fans which may have transferred down to ice level as the Capitals controlled much of the early period play and finally took advantage of hooking penalty to Jeff Carter. Semin scored his second of the night with a nice deflection that Emery had little chance of stopping. Less than a minute later Emery failed to control a rebound off of a Matt Bradley wrist shot that then deflected off of Brendan Morrison’s skate and into the open net. The Caps continued to press in the third effectively, if only temporarily, quieting the Flyers faithful but frustration soon turned to furious jubilation as continued pressure by the Flyers led to a Scott Hartnell goal with just over 4 minutes remaining in regulation. The goal brought the fans back to life and to their feet where they remained. Both goalies turned away big shots in the closing minutes and the flyers were able to kill off the first half a last minute penalty to top defense Kimmo Timonen.

On to overtime, every hockey fans torment. Nervousness and excitement collide in sudden death and last night was no exception. The Flyers, still killing off the late penalty to Timonen rose to the occasion and blocked a number of shots and Emery came up huge once again to allow the Fly guys to get back to even strength. As penalty kills often do, this one gave the Flyers a much needed push to close out the contest and with the 19,000 plus still mostly in attendance and all still standing, birthday boy Danny Briere lifted a shot over a sprawling Theodore at the 3:52 mark of overtime.

If you got the chance to watch the game you were in for a treat; a gem if you were there in person. The penalty kill looked crisp and Emery is continuing to prove he belongs in the NHL and deserves the top spot. The defense although shaky at times blocked countless shots and contributed some necessary offense as Matt Carle recorded 4 assists on the evening. Regardless of the outcome this game was a phenomenal home opener and sets up what should prove to be a highly competitive and definitely entertaining season series between two of the elite teams in the east, but it sure was nice to see Richards take care of business and outshine Ovechkin!   Notes: Two new Flyers suffered minor injuries with Blair Betts dislocating his shoulder and hometown rookie James Van Riemsdyk suffering, possibly, a minor concussion. Betts will likely miss a month while VanRiemsdyk will be re-evaluated later in the week; Three stars selection, Briere (3), Ovechkin (2) Richards (1).