The Flyers and the Caps are playing like they are two of the very best teams in the NHL and two of the highest scoring teams in the NHL, too. The game last night was a true heavyweight fight and frankly it was a shame that the officials were noticed a lot during the game. And I mean calling penalties on both teams – 9 on us and 7 on them. With 16 penalties, more than half the game was played 5 on 4 or 5 on 3. It really is disruptive to flow; line up adjustments; and getting players minutes. And to watching great hockey.

The game becomes a special team’s highlight film so it was also sensible I guess that the game ended in a shoot out, another skills kind of competition that isn’t focused on 5 on 5 play.

Even with the randomness of the night, the fans were treated to a great game. We get one point and the Flyers get two points. We remain in first place in the NHL with 30 points.

If you look at the standings, the teams that are most impressive right now are Boston and Montreal. Check out their goals against, a true carry over from last year’s playoff runs for both teams. Quite impressive and daunting.

I am proud of our fortitude. We kept battling back from deficits.

I am proud that the team is hanging together through the loss of key players to injuries.

I am proud that the team is playing productively while some of our best players are in a bit of a funk. That shows depth and maturity and that we are not a one player team or a one line team.

I saw two odd incidents last night at the game. The first one: I was standing in the event level of the arena with George McPhee and a bunch of hockey players from our community were walking to the little training rooms where the players store their equipment for playing games after the NHL game as part of our community involvement. Many of the parents of the kids were wearing Caps jerseys but one dad was wearing a Flyers jersey. I said as they walked by, “Hi guys. Have fun tonight. I thought this space was reserved just for Caps fans. Are you a Caps fan?” The dad turns at me and sneers, “No. I am a fan of the only team here that went to the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Come on son.”

Nice. Let no good deed go unpunished.

Then as I was leaving the arena, there were about 100 Caps fans walking by the Mall near Chinatown just minding their business, walking home after the game, and eight Flyers fans literally came running up to them – beers in hand – and start chanting “Let’s go Flyers!” One young tattooed lady literally tripped on the curb in running; fell; and as she lay on the ground laughing started to scream “Lets Go Flyers!” I am proud to say the Caps fans laughed and just walked away. As I waited at the red light, all I could think of was how well behaved our fans were and how I was grateful that a fight of some sort didn’t break out right then and there. Thanks Caps fans. I am proud of you.