It ain't over 'til ... you know

By Joe Turkos

Watch out Broadway Blueshirts, the Philadelphia Flyers are playing their best hockey of the season. Their latest victim: Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Flyers skated past the Pens, 6-3, in a Saturday matinee at the Wachovia Center.

Finally, the play on the ice was more interesting than watching security escort two groups of Penguins’ fans from section 219 or listening to the boos every time Crosby touched the puck.

The Flyers (15-7-6) entered Saturday’s game tied for second place in the Atlantic Division with the Penguins (16-9-4) with 38 points, just four points behind the division-leading New York Rangers (19-11-2) 40 points.

After Joffrey Lupul’s wrap around goal just over five minutes into the first period, it was clear that the team was not going to experience a hangover from Thursday’s night’s come-from-behind victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Against Carolina, the Flyers trailed the Hurricanes, 5-1, heading into the third period. The Flyers tied the game on a goal by Simon Gagne (15) with 1:84 to play. Gagne also scored the game-winning goal in the shootout.

Interestingly enough, on Saturday, the Flyers led the Penguins by a score of 5-1 after two periods. The thought of Thursday sat in the back of the minds of some of the players and their coach.

“In a hockey game you never relax until it’s over,” Flyers coach John Stevens said.

“Now that power plays are so dangerous and there are so many good offensive players in the game certainly tonight we knew that we had to keep playing the same. Hopefully close it out and we did.”

Even though Pittsburgh cut the Flyers lead in half by the end of regulation, the Flyers received power play goals from Mike Knuble (12) Jeff Carter (21) to stave off the Pittsburgh threat. One of Pittsburgh’s third-period goals also came via the power play.

With the win over Pittsburgh, the Flyers increased their winning steak to four games, this after starting the season at 0-3-3. And while Thursday’s win may have been exciting and may have carried over into Saturday, continually having to come from behind isn’t something to make a habit.

“It was a great comeback but it’s not something we’re gonna do all the time. Maybe it’s possible once or twice a year,” Lupul said of Thursday’s victory.

“It was a good game but it’s also a good lesson to our team and a lot of teams. The way the NHL is now with penalty calls and stuff, the game is never over.”

Lesson learned.

More sad news

Manayunk-born character actor Robert Prosky passed away this week. While for the past 50 years, Prosky lived in Washington DC, he never really forgot his roots. Earlier this year, Prosky appeared at the Walnut St. Theater in a production of Arthur Miller's The Price. Prosky believed it was one of Price's most unrated works. He performed with his town sons John and Andy.
Prosky when in town would hold a Q&A night for fans. One year, he gave it at Old Academy Players. He was surprised to learn that they had kept all programs from shows he performed in.
"There were shows I don't even remember doing," Prosky said in February.
Throughout his long career, Prosky fielded many questions but I believe I got him with one he couldn't answer. He seemed pretty appreciative of the challenge.
I took up an invitation by Prosky to visit him backstage after a performance of The Price. As I waited in line to go to the green room, I told a lady there I had been invited by Mr. Prosky. She was polite if not a little bemused. It was Mrs. Prosky.
I personally delivered the story I wrote from our phone interview. Prosky was gracious and quiet almost contemplative. Boy, could he act.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Prosky family.

Save A Prayer

We learned today that Brian Hickey, of City Paper fame, was seriously injured in hit-and-run incident in New Jersey over the Thanksgiving holiday. Hickey, who lives in East Falls, had left City Paper after a four and half year stint to be the campaign manager for John Dougherty's failed State Senate run.
I read Hickey's column in my early days. I've even knocked back a few with the man himself, notably during Fellow Fallser Matt McClure filed bid for a City Council nomination. We last corresponded during Obama run for the Presidency.
We send out prayers and sympathy to Hickey and his wife and hope he pulls through soon. I'll keep the Jaegermeister cold for you.

Weekend Whirligig

A lot going on this weekend. Citizens For a No Kill Philadelphia are based here in Roxborough. Garrett Elwood is sincere in his desire for Philly to reach this goal.
Also tonight, there will be a tree lighting ceremony in Canal View Park in Manayunk. Our favorite politicians, City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr and State Rep. Kathy Manderino are said to be making an appearance. For more details on Classic Holidays in Manayunk, click here.

Personally, I'll see you at the Flat Rock Saloon, have a Christmas beer. Holidays are finally here.

Gobble! Gobble!

The Hooters are back in town playing their Pre-Thanksgiving concert at the Electric Factory. Last year, they gave out their newest album "Time Stand Still". This time around they are releasing a double-live album, "Both Sides Live", half was which was taken from their performance at last year's concert. Hooray!!! Stay tuned Black Friday and I'll let you know about some things happening events out and about Our Town.
For now here's Christopher Titus talking about a Thanksgiving and his mom. Be thankful you're not from his family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Farewell, Madam Councilwoman

As you may already know, former fourth district councilwoman Carol Ann Campbell had died. She was a polarizing figure in the district in the city at large. She could be viewed as a valued leader or as a symbol of the Philadelphia's old politics, depends on who you asked. Plenty has been written about her. I often noted her lack of presence during her re-election campaign. (Except for the one time she actually attended a debate with her two Democratic nomination rivals.) Here is what came from the Office of Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.

"Today is a sad day in Philadelphia. A titan has transitioned. She was well respected by friend and foe alike. During her tenure in City Council she was responsible for several important pieces of legislation including the creation of the Committee of the Disabled and being a staunch advocate for the handicapped and creating the 4th District Basic System Repair Program. She was an advocate for the less fortunate. She challenged the status quo and had a distinguished career learning her trade from her late father Edgar Campbell. She will be forever considered as an advocate for those things she believed in."

Scarlet Fever!

In the end, it was worth the waiting. Plus Icy Hot helps relieve the aches and pains.