As everyone knows the Flyers are almost back, so I am hitting the streets to find some great fans to talk some Flyers hockey. We will focus on the past and present memories that have been revolving around this team. In the first part of this special series, I sit down with long time Flyers fan Luis Cortez.
Question 1: Tell me about the last time you watched the Flyers as they were entering into the playoffs?
Luis Cortez: Well in 2017-2018, we all knew that the “Fly Boys” weren’t going to last long in the playoffs. The Geberal Manager at the time was still in charge and was holding talent like Carter Hart back from being in between the pipes. Like all things in life, when you have the most talented horse in the race, you need to let go of the reigns and ride him to glory. Unfortunately, the GM at the time prescribed to the mentality of over nurturing, and that team was lost at the whole city-We all see how that paid off.
Question 2: What is one of favorite Flyers memory you have?
Luis Cortez: Ottawa and the “Fly Guys were beefing” over the Eastern Conference standings and the Flyers owned them throughout the season. The Senators dared to talk smack all week for a big game and the Flyers certainly kept the Sens mouth’s closed. My father had gotten me tickets to see the game. Not only did I witness the Flyers smack the Sens around on the scoreboard, but also with multiple line brawls in the 3rd period that slapped the Sens back home in 2004.
Question 3: What did you think about the 2010 Stanley Cup team, which was the last time the Flyers made a serious run at the Cup?
Luis Cortez: Chicago was the more talented team, just like the Blue Jays were in 1993. However, part of the glory of getting to that moment was beating our rivals (Boston and Atlanta). What made it special was the fact what the Flyers did to Boston, Boston did to the Yankees in 2004. The legendary 0-3 comeback will never be forgotten. Just like the reckless John Kruk, Darren Daulton, Lenny Dykstra “Fightin Phils” beating Atlanta to make the World Series will forever be in Philadelphia lure.
Question 4: It’s been such a long time since the Flyers had a #1 goaltender- Do you think Carter Hart is the real deal?
Luis Cortez: Hopefully, Carter Hart will have the breakout playoff run. Ironically enough if it wasn’t for the man that was holding him down in the minor leagues in Ron Hextall, while having his break out playoff year in 1987, who knows where Hart would be. The Flyers would have never made it as deep as they did in 1987 without Hextall, (Eventually losing in 7 to the Oilers in the cup finals).
Since being called up Hart’s talent has never been questioned it’s always been a matter of experience. Hart gained that experience both in the marathon of the regular season and in a playoff atmosphere. Like the 2007 young and talented Phillies that were swept by Colorado and went on to win the whole thing the next season. Maybe this young and young talented Flyers team can rebound after their less than dynamic playoff performances in prior season’s. Hopefully, behind a more experienced Hart and with the leadership of Claude Giroux they can have similar success like the 2008 Phillies.
Question 5: Who are some of your favorite Flyers?
Luis Cortez: Mark Recchi and Rod Brind’amor…were always studs for the city. They exemplified everything Philadelphia. Take no bull from others, respect the game, the craft, and represent your team. Craig MacTavish, the last player that didn’t need to wear a helmet also understood those values and passed them on to the aforementioned two players. “Brins” and “Rech” won cups in other cities, but like Former Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid, they will forever be Philadelphia.
Luis Cortez is a veteran writer for over 12 years from Philadelphia, PA. You can check out his fighting perspective on his column at http://www.theweighinpodcast.com/?m=1.
