Phightins

Cliff Lee will pitch game 1. Not really a surprise there.

No suspension. Pretty surprised.

I agree about Lindros, but you could argue that Booth should have known a hit was coming too. How he didn't sense Richards coming is beyond me, and even though he got rid of the puck, he had to realize that momentum was going to make that hit happen anyway. Whatever, an unfortunate situation all around. I think that in the end, the fact that Booth got shaken up as badly as he did will be the deciding factor. That and the fact that Tuomo Ruutu was just suspended 3 games for a shot to the head.

Alright, after watching the replay a bunch of times, I've come to the conclusion that it's pretty much a legal hit, but Richards will absolutely be suspended because of A. the final result, B. the team he plays for, and C. the fact that Tuomo Ruutu was just suspended 3 games for a hit that did not look nearly as gruesome. It's unfortunate that Booth got hurt, but this hit is really no different than many others I have seen. Richards did not leave his feet or extend his arms, it was just a clean shoulder hit, and unfortunately Booth was staring off into space and had no idea it was coming. People will say that Booth did not have the puck, making it look like Richards was head hunting, but he clearly made up his mind to make the hit while Booth had the puck, and there was no stopping that momentum. My favorite part of the whole thing is that Scott Stevens' hit on Eric Lindros in 2000 was virtually the exact same thing, and had the exact same final result (ironically it was at almost the exact same part of the rink), but it is lauded as one of the greatest hits in NHL history. In Richards' case, he is looking at a lengthy suspension. If it is a 1 or 2 game suspension, I will be alright with it, but anything more is kind of ridiculous in my mind. There was nothing blatantly dirty about the hit. Unfortunately, I think we are looking at 4 or 5 games. Richards is a very clean player, however, so perhaps his reputation can save him. The most important thing is that David Booth is alright. I heard he was moving his extremities, so hopefully it is not as bad as it looked on the ice. Also, I have a hunch that a certain Boston Bruins fan is going to disagree entirely.

Blah. I'd say Mike Richards is looking at a suspension. Hopefully David Booth is alright.

Call me crazy but I love NJ weather.

Waldo...I dunno if this will be an advantage or disadvantage for the Phillies. If the Yankees wrap it up tomorrow, they will still be able to do pretty much whatever they want with their rotation for the World Series (unless they decide to go with Sabathia tomorrow). Also, baseball is such a momentum sport, so when a team gets a full week off like the Phillies are having, you never know what will happen when they get back at it. The Phillies were in the exact same situation against Tampa last year and it worked out fine, but you never know. And east coast weather FTW. So-Cal weather is nice, but if I had to deal with the exact same weather every single day of my life, I'd probably want to kill myself. The east coast actually has four distinct seasons and all different types of weather. Thunderstorms, snow storms, all kinds of stuff you never see in LA. I love it, with the one exception being when it gets in the way of baseball.

Game postponed.

Should be good tonight. Pretty [expletive]ty weather though.

Yeah I saw this the other day. Pretty messed up.

College is great. I've had no problems with any of my professors so far.

Yeah he is the ultimate silver spoon. He has not done anything on his own to warrant the job that he has.

Well Fox in general will always push the Yankees since they bring in the ratings. The thing that bothers me most about McCarver is that he is just a pure idiot, haha. I have no clue how he has had this job as long as he has. He is so clueless and annoying.

Buck and McCarver are horrible, but the TBS guys are so so much worse.

Ok, what's your point? It is common knowledge that the two most hated teams of Mets fans are the Phillies and the Yankees, and there is a good chance they will meet in the World Series. You don't mind the Yankees? Well that's good for you, but I know plenty of Mets fans who hate 'em.

I know plenty of Mets fans. You are a rare exception.

Pretty [expletive]ty couple of days for him.

Wish I had a better camera. Next time I am in those seats I'll try to remember.

So many quality closers having tons of trouble in the postseason. Huston Street, Jonathan Papelbon, Jonathan Broxton, Ryan Franklin, and Brian Fuentes.

Please don't talk. I was pretty much rink side and the Bruins were just as guilty, Ferrence and Bitz in particular. Anyway, I took some pictures of Tuukka Rask just for you ECN. http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/philsphan1210/downsized_1022091904a.jpg http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/philsphan1210/1022091915.jpg Had to get one of Ray Ray as well http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/philsphan1210/1022092003.jpg

Because he is jealous of the Yankees and because Philadelphia is a town of ruthless murderous savages, duh.

Selfishly, I hope this series somehow gets extended to 7 games haha.

If he didn't constantly talk trash about the people of Philadelphia, I would not have said anything. But because of his constant hatred, it makes this feel even better. I guess in that respect I can now empathize a bit with Yankees fans, and the Lakers fans of OTR. And I am not ready to say whether or not the Phillies will win the World Series, but I am glad you believe so strongly that they cannot. It's not like we haven't seen that one before. The national "experts" have overwhelmingly picked against the Phillies in each of their past four postseason series', and it will absolutely be the case this time around too, whether we are against the Yankees or Angels. So just keep that in mind. Everybody was so certain we'd be swept by the Rays last year, and that we'd be out in 6 against the Dodgers both this year and last year.

I cannot put into words how amazing this night was. My ears are still ringing. Also, the fact that ECN hates Philadelphia so much and is so upset about us winning makes it feel even better.

You sound like a bitter Mets fan. A Phillies/Yankees World Series is their worst nightmare. And seeing that happen would bring great joy to me. But I should not get ahead of myself, the Phillies still need one more win against the Los Angeles Dodgers.