Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers Game Three Recap by Tom Foti

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Flyers went 0 for 5 on their power play opportunities during their 4-1 Game 3 loss on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. As is their custom, the fans in attendance announced their frustration with a chorus of boos.

The previous game, at Madison Square Garden, the Flyers went 2 for 3 on the power play during their 4-2 win.

This continues a pattern from the regular season where the Flyers’ power play at home is one of the league’s very worst, but on the road it’s one of the best. What’s going on here?

I noticed something the last time I attended a game at the Wells Fargo Center, during one of those lethargic Sunday afternoon games, where the Flyers come out a bit slow. The Flyers were on the power play and having a bit of trouble setting up, then the crowd started to boo, and the Flyers went from bad to worse. The booing triggered a complete collapse. Coincidence?

I’ve watched a few games this season with the opposing teams announcers, and several times I’ve heard them state a key to beating the Flyers at home is getting the crowd to turn against them.

Philly sports culture is extraordinarily passionate, but that kind of love is volatile, and creates a pressure cooker situation that seems counter productive to the success of our shared hopes.

We’ve tried booing the power play and it didn’t work. Let’s try something else.

If the boys come out flat? – “Let’s Go Flyers!”

If the boys aren’t shooting? – “Let’s Go Flyers!”

If the boys can’t get set up? – “Let’s Go Flyers!”

No matter what – “LET’S GO FLYERS!”