Philadelphia Flyers
Broad Street Bullies of the NHL
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. They are the second NHL team to represent Philadelphia, with the first team, the Philadelphia Quakers, only playing one season in 1930–31. The team plays its home games at Wells Fargo Center in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, an indoor arena they share with the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). Part of the 1967 NHL expansion, the Flyers are the first of the expansion teams in the post-Original Six era to win the Stanley Cup, victorious in 1973–74 and again in 1974–75. Since their two Stanley Cup victories, they have been in the Final five other times, most recently in 2010.
Quick Facts
- Character
- Inter-conference Rivalry
- Affiliation
- NHL (Pacific Division vs. Atlantic/Metropolitan Divisions)
- First appears
- 1993-1994 NHL Season
- Status
- Active but less frequent than divisional rivals
- Style contrast
- Speed and Skill vs. Physicality and Grit
Lore & Background
The Flyers play their home games on Broad Street, first at the Spectrum from 1967 until 1996, and then at Wells Fargo Center since 1996. Their association with Broad Street, along with the players consistently brawling with other teams, earned them the nickname 'Broad Street Bullies' during the 1970s.
Reader's Guide
The Flyers' history includes the Philadelphia Quakers' one season in 1930–31, the failed 1946 attempt to revive an NHL team in Philadelphia, and Ed Snider's successful bid for an expansion franchise in 1966. The team name 'Flyers' was chosen by Ed Snider after his sister's suggestion. The Flyers debuted in 1967–68, won their division in their first season, and later became known as the 'Broad Street Bullies' after a brawling victory in 1973. They won the Stanley Cup in 1973–74 and 1974–75.
Did You Know?
- The Flyers' tradition of playing Kate Smith's 'God Bless America' began on December 11, 1969, as a way to defray national tensions during the Vietnam War.
- The Flyers' first playoff series win came in 1973 against the Minnesota North Stars, highlighted by an overtime goal by Gary Dornhoefer.
- Bobby Clarke was the first expansion team player to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as NHL MVP, awarded after the 1972–73 season.
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