The original embodiment of the Philadelphia mindset were obviously the Broad Street Bullies. The scrappy Flyers of 60s and 70s brought a new style of hockey to the world, and it was successful. Basically, the strategy was to beat the shit out of their opponents. And it worked!
They were the Bullies through the early 80s at least, and the Flyers were easily identified with Philadelphia and Philadelphian success through the next twenty years or so. The 76ers had their heyday in the years before and after the Flyers' heyday, and haven't won since 1983, while the Phillies couldn't ever seem to get over the hump. The Eagles were just never good. There is a reason why you see them in so many sad sack stories from the 80s through the early 2000s.
Now, though, it seems like the Flyers are taking a back seat in Philly culture. Is it because ever since Eric Lindros' career was disrupted people started caring about head injuries, and the physical style of yore didn't fit anymore? Or more likely, is it just because the Flyers haven't been as relevant for quite a while now.
There was a period when Jeff Carter was around that the Flyers seemed poised to take the city over again, but that wasn't to be, and it was lost in Phillies and Eagles stories. The Flyers aren't threatening for the postseason again this year, and they are getting drowned out by other Philly teams making Championship games or series.
Are the Flyers going to have to start knocking some teeth in again to get a little attention? Maybe they should just win some more games, and catch up to the rest of the league. At least the mascot is still Gritty
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