Is Something Wrong With Me?

May 1, 2008   ·   Brian Sanborn   ·   Jump to comments

As the final buzzer sounded in Philadelphia last night and the Flyers took a stunning 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the “anointed” 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Montreal Canadiens (at least in Montreal, because they feel it is their birthright to win it if they are towards the top), I was smiling. Now some of you who know me might be thinking it makes perfect sense, as a Sabres fan of over 25 years, it is easy to dislike the Habs and seeing them lose gives me great joy.

But this was a bit different: I was not smiling at the joy of seeing the Habs lose, but more at the fact the Philadelphia was winning. Wait, what in the world is this? I am smiling for a team that the Sabres have played 5 times in the playoffs since 1995, and have had wars with, and how in the world can I take joy in a city that has some of the most obnixious fans on this planet?

The answer is…yes.

Why you ask would I EVER root for the Flyers? Maybe it is the Sabres Connection: Martin Biron was a Sabre for 10 years, and had some nice moments with the team, but was never really given a chance to prove himself as a clear #1 goalie. When the time came for that, the sabres were frankly not that good, and Biron was decent. Enter Ryan Miller along with the influx of talent, and the Sabres took off and Biron was regulated to a backup role again.

Biron was a ‘good solider’ during this time, and even after Biron subbed for Miller when he was injured in 2006-2007 and won 13 straight starts, Biron went back to the bench and never complained. For that I always commended him, and was happy that he was given a chance to show his skills in Philadelphia.

And now that Biron is having a fabulous run for the Flyers, I am happy for him. Happy that now he was given the chance to be a starter, a REAL chance. Happy that his team did not panic and trade for a goalie at the deadline in typical Philly fashion. Happy that Biron has shut up the skeptics and morons that call 610 WIP in Philly lambasting Biron.

Another reason is Danny Briere. You may ask yourself, he left for greener pa$ture$, why would you like to see him succeed? Why? Because the fact Briere has netted 14 points so far in the NHL Playoffs, including a league high 8 goals, is a slap in the face to Sabres President Larry Quinn, who really plays the big hand on the issues surrounding the poor negotiating tactics of Quinn and his asylum in Western New York.

So I say “good for you Danny and Marty” and shove it right in Quinn’s face. Maybe Quinn can take a look at the Flyers and think what could have been, as the Sabres sit on the outside looking in.