Ghosting

To most, "ghosting" refers to leaving a party without saying goodbye or ending a relationship by simply disappearing.  

But that was before Shayne Gostisbehere, the beloved "Ghost," came on the scene with the Flyers.  It's high time to change the definition.

For Flyers fans, ghosting means a player who: 

sets a record point streak by an NHL rookie defenseman
scores only tying or game winning goals
displays true talent by reading and making plays in a thrilling fashion
elevates and energizes the game of his teammates. 

Usage:  "Did you see that play at the blue line?  He's ghosting again."

By all accounts, the Flyers' game winning overtime goal last night never should have happened.  With 13 seconds left before a death sentence shootout, Ghost broke up a potential 2-on-1 rush by the Jets.  With a move that can only be described as magical, he connected with Giroux, who buried the puck.

It was one of the best hockey plays I've ever seen.  I can't remember the last time the Flyers had a player whose presence on the ice inspired so much confidence, or brought such excitement and joy to the game.

Ghost is something special.  The book isn't yet closed on this season, but no matter what happens, he's surely the star of the story.  






Image via phillyphaithful.com 

Oh What A Night

The word "Tuesday" is derived from Old English and Middle English words meaning "Tiw's Day" - the day of Tiw, the god of single combat, victory, and heroic glory in Norse mythology.  

Seems fitting for what went down across the NHL last night!

Single combat?  I'm going with the massive right punch Ryan White landed on Eric Boulton's face in the first period last night.   

Victory?  Easy.  Our Flyers continue to play spoilers in thrilling fashion.  Even better:  the Senators.  Nothing could be more fun for a fan of the Orange and Black than seeing Fleury's dejected skate to the bench following Mark Stone's OT goal.

Or reading this from the article "Collapse Continues!" in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, about the Pens:

It was a pathetic performance by a team that doesn’t seem to have much interest in making the playoffs. The postseason is within reach. But this is a team that doesn’t appear greatly interested in reaching it.

Heroic glory?  Two words:  Brayden Schenn.  What a stunner. What a bad goal.  I almost felt sorry for Halak.  Almost, but not really. 

Putting aside that we won't be enjoying a post-season, the biggest loser in Philadelphia last night was Lynne Abraham. (Don't worry, she's ok.)

Some stats for your consideration:

Mark Streit has 51 points on the season.  Claude Giroux is the top ten for points (72) and assists (47). Jake Voracek is 3rd in the NHL with 81 points, and Steve Mason also sits in the 3rd with his .928 SV%.  Not to mention that Simmer was on pace for 30+ goals before breaking his leg on March 25th against the Hawks.  (And of course, B. Schenn stepped up his game to earn the NHL's second star for the week ending April 5th.)

As Sarah Baicker tweeted, the Flyers look like the best bad team ever.  If we keep all of this talent around and find a coach who clicks with players, I really believe we can make it to the playoffs next season.

But in the meantime, I'll be counting down to the Flyers/Senators match up on Saturday, though I'll be sad to see the season end.  

Do you think the Flyers should tank if it means keeping the Pens out of the playoffs?