Two Headed Monster

By: Patrice L. Leonard

Well, over the weekend we saw the two faces of the Philadelphia Flyers. We saw the handsome, movie star face. Then we saw the ugly, troll under the bridge face. Two separate games, less than 24 hours apart. What in the world is going on? Is this some kind of cruel joke? I’m not laughing if it is.

Is the only way we can win any meaningful games really upon the presence of Peter the Great? This zebra certainly showed its stripes today.

I witnessed the game on Saturday against the NY Rangers. I was relieved to see that the team we all expect showed up. They not only showed up, they kicked butt. Bodies were flying, boards were being crashed. We’re talking old-time, back to the roots, Flyers hockey.

Everyone participated in what I feel was the most complete and total team effort this season. Forsberg was back in the line-up. Half of the club fought through the flu. Every line, from the first down through the fourth, was playing hard and getting results.

The return of a player of Peter Forsberg’s caliber can not be measured. There is no denying it. If this team has any aspirations of going deep into the playoffs, Forsberg MUST be in the lineup. No ifs, ands, or buts. No disrespect to the other players on this team, but what Peter brings to the ice is something intangible. He commands respect. He makes every single player on that team better in every way. His attitude is all business. His game-face is a blank canvas, outwardly showing no emotion at all. Inside he is turning over and over with deep rooted desire to be the best. The only thing that gives away what he is thinking is the icy blue of his eyes. They darken come game time. Creepy? Yes, it is. Next time watch for it, you’ll be amazed.

The others on this club feed off of that sheer passion. It is contagious and spread out to others without them even being aware of it. You can feel it just sitting in the stands, or in the comfort of your own living room. He is the perfect role model for the young guys on this team. Having a guy of Peter Forsberg’s stature on your team, your first year in the NHL must be humbling for guys like Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Freddy Meyer. There is none better in the game right now. What better teacher could they possibly have?

When Forsberg’s on his game the other team suffers. I’m not just talking on the scoreboard. He used his body yesterday like it was a heat seeking missile. Holleweg didn’t know what was gunning for him. The last person he expected to look up and see bearing down on him would have been Forsberg. When he starts to play physical only great things can happen. He’s not shy and will not back down. Although, he has been known to say that if he ever got into a fight he’d probably get killed. I’m not so sure about that. I’d personally like to see him lose his cool at least once and pummel someone. I know I’m not the only one either.

What makes Peter Forsberg even more special is how modest and humble he actually is. Here’s a guy who constantly tells us that his shot isn’t that good. Is he kidding? When asked today how he felt about how his team played without him he shrugged it off. Even if he won’t admit it we all know it’s true. This Flyers team is loaded to the hilt with talent. Every player on this team brings a specialty to the game. Whatever that special talent is, having Forsberg on the ice only makes them more potent.

We are a team that should be feared by other, more inferior teams. But, we are not feared. I’m sure after today’s loss to the NJ Devils, teams are laughing at us. I was laughing at us. Teams want to play us now. We stink without Forsberg in this line-up.

This Flyers team can not afford to lose him for too long. The playoffs start on Friday. Without him we are doomed. With him we are invincible. Well, close anyway.