Reality Check

I usually attend sporting events to temporarily escape from reality.

Regardless of the sport, I try to arrive at the ballpark/stadium/arena as early as possible...and I don't leave until I'm practically being shoved toward the exit. It is not an attempt to prove that I'm a "bigger fan" than anyone else, or to avoid the traffic that comes with attending such events. It is because I enjoy it, and I want to maximize the experience.

Early arrival at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park

If I'm having a problem with my career, a relationship, friendships, family matters, or anything else...this is my sanctuary. For a few hours, I can clear my head and simply watch a game...along with all that accompanies it.

Simple plan for a Sunday night -- food, relaxation, and baseball

Sunday, May 1st started out that way. It was a ho-hum trip to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for a ho-hum ESPN Sunday Night Baseball game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. There was a simple plan involved -- drive there, relax, eat, watch batting practice, walk to my seat, watch the game, and head home.

Game night in Philly

I did not expect it to turn into one of the biggest "Where were you when...?" moments of my lifetime...for a reason completely unrelated to sports.

It all started with the Mets nursing a 1-0 lead in the 8th inning. While watching the game from Section 421, my cell phone buzzed in my jeans' pocket. Thinking it was something regarding the game, I decided to check. Imagine my surprise when I read the following text message from one of my friends -- "Unscheduled Presidential news conference at 10:30 about national security...odd" on the screen.

While I was in my baseball sanctuary, real news was occurring

As a news journalist in real-life, my mind began to wander. Why is this happening on a Sunday night? Was there a foiled terror plot? Is there a major threat out there?

Surprise turned to shock when the same friend sent another text minutes later -- "bin Laden dead."

Soon after that, there were more texts saying that Osama bin Laden -- the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and numerous other terrorism events through his al Qaeda network -- had met his demise.

What the rest of the world was watching

Little-by-little, word began to spread throughout Citizens Bank Park. Those checking text and voice messages, as well as social networking sites, were learning about the apparent news. A buzz was building among the sold-out crowd of 45,713...and it wasn't only because the Phillies were threatening to score in the bottom of the 8th.

When Phillies' 1st baseman Ryan Howard singled to bring home the tying run, the crowd cheered...but still seemed distracted. Suddenly, the ballgame directly in front of them was becoming secondary to the news that was reverberating throughout the park. Was it true, after all? If so, how did it happen?

Ryan Howard strokes a game-tying single to left field

The next few minutes were a rather incredible indication of technology's role in today's society, coupled with word-of-mouth. It's important to note that there was never any official announcement from stadium public address announcer Dan Baker, nor was there any word given on the scoreboard.

When the Mets' Daniel Murphy stepped to the plate as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning, it was a 1-1 game. Usually, this is a rather tense moment...with players and fans both focused on the game situation. Yet, throughout the Citizens Bank Park crowd on a Sunday night, chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A!" began to fill the air.

Tie game, 9th inning...yet the crowd's chant was not about the game

As the inning continued, the chants grew in intensity, from both Mets' and Phillies' fans alike. For a brief moment, the faithful of these archrivals were united behind a common cause. President Barack Obama was making his announcement to the world that American military forces had killed bin Laden...and that message was being relayed throughout the park via smartphone and interpersonal communication.

Could the situation have been any more fitting? The ballgame was being played in Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell and one of the birthplaces of American history. The Declaration of Independence was signed a few miles north of the ballpark's location in 1776. Eleven years later, the U.S. Constitution was framed in Philly. These were two of the cornerstone moments in American democracy...and the terror attacks orchestrated by bin Laden over the years threatened those very freedoms.

Philadelphia has played a significant role in American history

New York City was most directly affected by the 9/11 attacks, and here were the Mets...a team that loaned the Shea Stadium parking lot for use as an emergency mobile command center in the days immediately following the World Trade Center's collapse 9 1/2 years ago. The Mets played the first professional sporting event in NYC following the attacks, which offered area residents a chance to gather and resume life in a new and uncertain world.

The Mets still honor those lost in the World Trade Center attacks at Citi Field

I began to reflect on my own life while watching this game.

I thought about the phone call that woke me up at my apartment in Athens, Ohio on the day of the attacks...and the shock that came with witnessing such a tragic, newsworthy event. I remember the frantic phone calls home to see if everyone I knew in NYC was OK.

I thought about my visit to Ground Zero one week following the attacks. The air was so stale that night, and it was horrifying to actually see the destruction for myself.

I thought about my friends in the miltary who went overseas to fight for America and its people. Many did multiple tours in the Middle East, and continue to serve this great nation. A couple made the ultimate sacrifice, and gave their lives in the name of freedom.

As the ballgame continued, I started thinking about the night's deeper meaning

I thought about my buddy Kevin, a volunteer fireman and EMT who worked in the World Trade Center's ruins immediately following the attacks. When we were in high school, Kevin and I used to travel to Philadelphia for Sunday baseball games at Veterans Stadium. We'd buy the cheapest available tickets, then sneak into the field level seating in a mostly-empty ballpark. Kevin passed away over 3 1/2 years ago, but his memory lives on with me...and as news of bin Laden's death came around, I almost felt like Kevin was sitting in the empty seat to my left. It was a Sunday ballgame in Philly, after all.

As I looked around Citizens Bank Park, I noticed more evidence of unintentional patriotism. Seated a few sections to my left was a lady wrapped in an American flag blanket. She had no idea that something designed to simply keep her warm on this night would end up carrying so much meaning.

Woman draped in an American flag blanket

On the ballpark's videoboard, there was a man in a USA Baseball jersey. Little did he know that his choice of attire would be so representative of the evening's events. That image produced the loudest cheer of the night, and more chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A!"

Citizens Bank Park's unofficial announcement of the news

Even the Phillies' uniform colors are a patriotic red, white and blue...indicative of the city's role in American history.

Red, white and blue were the colors of the day

Meanwhile, there was still a ballgame going on...one that was dragging deep into the night. As Sunday night turned to Monday morning, the public address system fittingly played "After Midnight," and "Living After Midnight." The Mets and Phillies continued their struggle to score runs against each other's bullpens. The score remained 1-1 through the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th innings. My scorecard was beginning to run out of room!

And the game played on

In top of the 14th, the Mets finally broke through against Phillies' pitcher Kyle Kendrick. Following singles by David Wright and Jason Bay, catcher Ronnie Paulino lined a double into the left field corner...scoring Wright and giving the Mets a 2-1 lead.

The Mets take the lead in the 14th

For Paulino, it was a significant night, going 5-for-7 and producing that big RBI double. Paulino missed the first month of the season by serving the final part of a 50-game suspension...after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs as a member of the Florida Marlins. The 30-year-old then served a stint on the disabled list before returning to the big league club. Sunday was Paulino's 1st start as a Met, and he appeared determined to make up for lost time.

Ronnie Paulino had a big game for the Mets

It was now up to reliever Taylor Buchholz to close the door on the Phillies and end this marathon contest. As outfielder John Mayberry, Jr. swung and missed at the final pitch, the Mets popped out of the dugout in celebration. Their 3-game losing streak was over, and it took almost 5 hours to do it.

The Mets celebrate a marathon victory

Outside the ballpark, there was more evidence of the real story of the night. As I was walking to my car...another car pulled out of the parking lot, with an American flag hanging out the window. Those exiting Citizens Bank Park cheered, and other cars began honking their horns. It was now 1 am...yet people were invigorated by the news of Osama bin Laden's death.

Yes, that says 1:04 am

Usually when I drive home from a sporting event, I listen to music and think about the game that I just witnessed. On this night, as I traveled along a series of deserted highways...I listened to CNN's coverage of the biggest news story of the year.

About to leave a now-empty Citizens Bank Park

It allowed me more time to reflect on the past 9 1/2 years. When the 9/11 attacks happened, I was a naive college kid...not knowing where my future would take me. Now, I am a seasoned journalist whose life (sports) and career (news) were both represented on this very night.

I'll never forget where I was on the night that Osama bin Laden was killed. I was watching America's pastime, baseball...in a city that is so extremely rich in American history, Philadelphia.

Given the military's contribution to this event, it's too bad the game wasn't at Veterans Stadium.

Scorecard from a historic night in Philadelphia

Working Overtime

Overtime hockey in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs can test the mettle of players, coaches and fans alike.

The ultimate goal for any team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

For three periods and roughly two-and-a-half hours, those with a vested interest in the game pour their attention and energy into it, knowing the stakes of a best-of-7 post-season matchup. Whether it's executing plays on the ice, developing strategies on the bench or just screaming at the top of your lungs in the stands...everyone inside the arena has a role.

Sometimes that's not enough, however. Unlike the regular-season, where games are decided by a shortened overtime -- and if necessary, a shootout -- playoff hockey is settled the old-fashioned way. Teams skate 5-on-5 in a sudden death format -- whoever scores wins. If the game isn't decided during the first 20-minute extra session, the show goes on until the goal lamp is lit.

This year's playoffs have already featured a number of dramatic OT games

In the 1st round of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, there were 14 games that required overtime. Ask anyone who was at those games, and they will speak of the drama involved. Every shot-on-goal could be the winning one. Every save could be a game-changer. Every mistake could be remembered for years to come.

Of the 14 OT games in this year's playoffs, three required multiple overtimes. Under this scenario, it becomes more than just a game. It is a classic, epic struggle...a test of endurance...a badge of honor. The winners gain a tremendous amount of momentum, while the losers are left with a feeling of emptiness.

It should be on every sports fan's bucket list to attend a multi-OT hockey game. One small problem, however...you never know when it might happen.

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On April 14th, 2003, the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators met in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.

The Islanders and Senators had their 1st (and only) playoff meeting in 2003

The atmosphere in Uniondale, New York was tremendous. The Islanders, seeded 8th in the East, had "upset" on their minds. Although Ottawa won the NHL's President's Trophy and top overall seed with 113 points in the regular-season, the Islanders earned a split during the 1st two games of the series in Ottawa. Now, they return home to a raucous Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and a sold-out crowd of 16,234.

Nassau Coliseum was ready for some playoff hockey

It had been a strange season for the Islanders, who were expected to take the next step after a hard-fought playoff loss to Toronto the year before. Instead, the blue-and-orange struggled at the end of the regular-season, backing their way into the playoffs with 83 points. There reportedly was dissention in the locker room, as some players accused head coach Peter Laviolette of playing favorites. In the playoffs, however, the off-ice drama took a back seat.

Upon walking through the arena doors, everyone was handed a white rally towel with the words "2003 Islanders Playoff Drive." It's always an impressive sight whenever the rally towels are being waved en masse...like a blizzard spontaneously broke out in the seating bowl.

The playoff rally towels were out in force at the Coliseum

The towels would provide visual accompaniment to a crowd that was intent on splitting eardrums. Thanks to its low ceiling and relatively cramped conditions, Nassau Coliseum can get very loud at major events...providing a valuable home-ice advantage.

As Game 3 in the best-of-7 series got underway, loud chants of "Let's Go, Islanders!" echoed throughout the arena. Fans near the top of Section 313 were pounding on the ceiling to amplify the noise. When those chants died down, new ones would spring up...usually directed toward Ottawa goalie Patrick Lalime. Heckling chants of "Paaaaaaaa-triiiiiiiiiick" would go on for minutes, in the hopes that they would somehow distract him.

Patrick Lalime was between the pipes for the Senators

Fueled by the sold-out crowd, the Islanders got on the scoreboard first. Midway through the 1st period, former Senators' captain Alexei Yashin poked a loose puck across the goal line, sending Islanders' fans into a frenzy. Once the goal was confirmed by video replay, the blizzard of towels broke out once again. Long Island believed in their underdogs.

The Islanders would open up the Game 3 scoring, thanks to Alexei Yashin

After a goal by Ottawa forward Todd White tied the game late in the 1st period, the Islanders were determined to keep the momentum on their side. During a power play, forward Randy Robitaille fired a shot past Lalime to give the Isles a 2-1 advantage. The tie lasted all of 24 seconds, giving the hometown crowd a belief that this was their night.

Randy Robitaille would give the Islanders a late 1st period lead

The momentum would shift in the 2nd period. Although the Islanders outplayed the Senators and received multiple power plays, it was the team in red, black and white that did the scoring. In the final minute, Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips tipped a pass in the slot past Islanders' goalie Garth Snow.

Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips tied things up in the 2nd period

After two periods, the game was tied 2-2. It would remain that way for awhile.

The Nassau Coliseum crowd was nervous at the start of the 3rd period. The Islanders were taking it to the NHL's best team in 2003, yet the game -- and the series -- still hung in the balance.

On the ice, both teams played conservatively, knowing that one mistake could cost them dearly. The "Let's Go, Islanders" chants continued and towels randomly waved throughout the arena, trying to will the home team to a victory.

Neither team would score, however, and the game was headed to a crucial overtime.

Despite having the NHL's best record in 2003, the Senators were in for a fight

During the intermission, some fans remained in their seats...pondering the potential outcome. Others wandered through the cramped Coliseum concourse, just to distract themselves from the game at-hand. Those 18-minutes felt like they took forever, as numerous questions enter the mind. "Who will be the hero?" "Who might make the big mistake?" "How long will this game last?"

That final question is always present during a playoff OT. Games could last into the wee hours of the morning...as players test their physical limits on the ice, while fans deal with a combination of nerves and fatigue.

Todd White scored one of Ottawa's goals in regulation -- would another await in OT?

In the overtime period, the Islanders did everything they could to survive. Ottawa outshot New York 12-6 during the extra session, but Snow kept the puck out of the net. Although the talent gap between the two teams was apparent...the Islanders still had a chance to win and gain control of the series.

Garth Snow kept the Islanders in the game during the 1st overtime

The game's intensity had a direct effect on the crowd. Although the "Let's Go Islanders" and "Paaaaaa-triiiiiiiick" chants continued throughout Nassau Coliseum, they were not as boisterous as they were earlier in the game. As butterflies built in fans' stomachs, the ability to make noise was compromised.

The horn sounded at the end of OT, and the game was still tied 2-2. The Islanders and Senators were headed to double overtime.

No one knows just when this game would end

Throughout my life, I wanted to attend a game like this. The more overtimes, the better! Regardless of who would end up winning, I knew I was witnessing a historic performance.
On the scoreboard above center ice, the start of the 2nd OT was reflected as "Period 5." It was a unique sight, and some players and fans alike were venturing into uncharted territory.

After two minutes of play in double OT, the game would be decided. A neutral zone turnover by Islanders' forward Oleg Kvasha game Ottawa a chance. Senators' forward Magnus Arvedson carried the puck into the Isles' zone and fired a shot toward the net. Standing in front of the goal crease was Todd White...who deflected the puck past Snow and into the net for the game-winner. For White, it was his 2nd goal of the game...and one of the biggest in his career.

Todd White tips the puck past Garth Snow for the game-winning goal

In an instant, Nassau Coliseum fell silent. Some dejectedly headed for the exits...while others stayed in their seats, staring blankly at the scoreboard that now said "Ottawa 3, Islanders 2." The game clock was now frozen, with 17:35 remaining in the "5th" period.

The momentum-crushing loss was too much for the Islanders to handle. The Senators took control of the series, ousting the Islanders in 5 games.

The top-seeded Senators eliminated the 8th-seeded Islanders in 5 games

To this day, I still slightly cringe when I hear the name "Todd White." That's the result of overtime playoff hockey...especially when a game requires multiple OT's. The hero's name is magnified, while the goat's role in the loss is embellished.

The next time you step into an arena for a playoff hockey game, plan ahead -- you never know how long you might be there.

Nowhere on the ticket did it say, "Prepare for a multi-OT game"

Philadelphia Story

Attending any professional sporting event can require a significant dedication of time and energy on one's part.

Going to two games on the same day is strictly a labor of love.

Let's play two in Philadelphia -- in different sports!

On April 18th, 2010, the "City of Brotherly Love" offered a unique opportunity -- a multi-sport doubleheader in the same complex. The Philadelphia Phillies, who were just getting into the flow of the MLB regular-season, were hosting the Florida Marlins that afternoon. During the evening, the Philadelphia Flyers would host the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of their NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series.

The marathon sports Sunday would begin upon arriving at Citizens Bank Park that morning.

Under a seasonably cool, partly cloudy sky, some fans dressed in red, white and blue Phillies' gear were tailgating in the parking lot...preparing for the day-at-hand. Those who were planning on attending the Philly double-dip were relaxing and pacing themselves for a roughly 11-hour sports day. Others were partying it up and enjoying life.

The first leg of the doubleheader took place at Citizens Bank Park

Inside the ballpark, it was a typical day on the MLB calendar. Phillies' pitcher Joe Blanton, who was rehabbing from an oblique injury, threw in the bullpen...giving fans who arrived early some up-close access to his craft.

Phillies' pitcher Joe Blanton throws a bullpen session before the game

On the field, both the Phillies and Marlins participated in batting practice...getting ready for the game and providing some souvenir baseballs for those who gathered beyond the outfield fence for home runs.

The Marlins' Hanley Ramirez takes batting practice

With lunchtime now at-hand, the smell of Philly cheesesteaks and barbecue filled the air in Ashburn Alley. Fans mingled in the area...with some buying food and drinks, and others taking pictures of their surroundings.

Ashburn Alley is a popular pre-game destination

While it appeared to be a typical baseball Sunday on the surface, some subtleties suggested that it was anything but that. On the opposite side of the Philadelphia Sports Complex parking lot, the Wachovia Center sat quietly...but in a few short hours, it would be filled with a playoff hockey atmosphere. Some fans at the Phillies' game were already prepared for the evening, dressed in Flyers' jerseys.

Fans arrive at Citizens Bank Park as the Wachovia Center sits quietly

On the Citizens Bank Park scoreboard, there were promotional updates for the Flyers' game. It was a revealing look at the cameraderie that exists between Philadelphia's sports teams. Rather than feeling pressure to compete against each other, there was a partnership among the franchises.

Cross-promotion between the Phillies and Flyers

The Phillies and Marlins were both off to decent starts in the 2010 season. The Phillies sported an 8-3 record, while the Marlins were 7-5. Still, there was an expectation among Phillies' fans that this would be their year...as their team boasted a powerful lineup and solid pitching.

National League East foes go head-to-head

On this day, pitching would dominate in a typically offense-friendly ballpark. Two left-handers -- Nate Robertson for Florida, and Cole Hamels for Philadelphia -- went head-to-head.

Cole Hamels pitched brilliantly for Philadelphia

During this pitching staring contest, Hamels would blink first...allowing a solo home run to Marlins' 2nd baseman Dan Uggla that bounced off the left field foul pole in the 2nd inning. Aside from that, both pitchers were stellar...matching zeroes on the scoreboard, as I looked on from Section 421.

Nate Robertson held the Phillies scoreless

After receiving an RBI double from Uggla in the 9th inning, Marlins closer Leo Nunez shut the door on the Phillies' hopes. It was a 2-0 win for Florida, and many in the sold-out crowd of 45,405 were going home unhappy. For the others, it was time to look toward the Flyers for redemption.

The Marlins top the Phillies in the afternoon session

Back in the parking lot, the party would resume...as some fans tried to drown the sorrows of a Phillies' defeat. Those who were attending the hockey game were trading their Phillies' red for Flyers' orange-and-black, changing right at their cars.

Outside the Wachovia Center, there was a FanFest area for get people in the mood for playoff hockey. A band played while some kids and adults had their faces painted with Flyers' logos. Playoff merchandise was being sold, revealing some of the financial windfall that comes with a post-season appearance.

The Sunday sports marathon continues at the Wachovia Center

At the arena doors, orange t-shirts were handed out to everyone in attendance, intended to create an "orange crush" effect throughout the seating bowl.

The Flyers handed out t-shirts to all in attendance

On paper, the New Jersey Devils held the edge in this playoff matchup. Winning the Atlantic Division and clinching the Eastern Conference's #2 seed with 103 points, the Devils boasted one of the all-time greats in goal -- Martin Brodeur. They also featured some talented offensive players, such as Zach Parise and mid-season acquisition Ilya Kovalchuk.

The Devils and Flyers met in the playoffs for the 5th time

The Flyers needed every game of the regular-season to even qualify for the playoffs...defeating the New York Rangers in a shootout to qualify as the #7 seed in the East. The Flyers' goaltending was a question mark, with a combination of Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton between the pipes. Still, with gritty players like Chris Pronger and Mike Richards, in addition to scorers such as Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne...Philadelphia was determined to make its mark in the post-season.

The atmosphere inside the Wachovia Center was so much different from that across the parking lot. The crowd at Citizens Bank Park, while passionate for their Phillies, had a laid-back, "it's only April" attitude...knowing that a long regular-season still awaited.

A sea of orange inside the Wachovia Center

For the Flyers, it was the pivotal Game 3 in a series that was tied 1-1. The winner of this contest would potentially have momentum for the rest of the series. That intensity was reflected in the audience, with loud "Let's go Flyers" chants buzzing throughout the arena.

Philadelphia fans were ready for this key playoff matchup

The crowd erupted into cheers when the Flyers broke out a post-season tradition before the game. Instead of singing the "Star-Spangled Banner," the players and fans stood for "God Bless America." On this night, Lauren Hart -- daughter of the late, longtime Flyers' broadcaster Gene Hart -- performed a "duet" with the recorded image of the late Kate Smith, who sang at many important Flyers' games during the 1970s.

Lauren Hart and Kate Smith's image perform "God Bless America"

As the game got underway, an above-capacity crowd of 19,957 watched intently. When Devils' winger Brian Rolston scored a power play goal roughly 7-minutes into the game, putting New Jersey up 1-0, the Philadelphia crowd let loose one of its famous "boos."

The Devils struck first

Those boos would turn to cheers a minute-and-a-half later, as Flyers' winger Claude Giroux scored a power play goal of his own to tie the game. Many of the orange-clad Philadelphia fans high-fived and hugged, as the players did the same.

The Flyers immediately responded with a goal of their own

The intensity of the Flyers-Devils rivalry just added to the playoff atmosphere. Only a 90-mile New Jersey Turnpike drive between Philadelphia and Newark separated these teams' arenas. Year-round bragging rights would go to the series winner, giving fans another incentive to cheer along.

The I-95 rivalry is alive and well

During the course of the game, Philadelphia and New Jersey would unleash bone-rattling body checks on each other. Players would dive for pucks, trying to sustain or relieve offensive pressure. Every Brodeur save was greeted with an "Ahhhhh" from the crowd, every save by Brian Boucher would receive a "Booosh" chant.

Brian Boucher makes a glove save

The Flyers and Devils would trade goals in the 2nd period, making it a 2-2 game as 20 minutes remained in regulation.

In the 3rd period, the tension inside the Wachovia Center mounted. Every shot, every save, every check and every penalty took on extra significance. The ice was tilted in Philadelphia's favor, outshooting the Devils 12-3. Some of the scoring chances resulted in spectacular saves by Brodeur, leaving Flyers' fans to wonder if they would get any more pucks past the future Hall-of-Famer.

Martin Brodeur made some amazing saves to keep the game tied

As the horn sounded to end the 3rd period, the score was still 2-2. Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series between the Flyers and Devils was headed to sudden-death overtime. Whoever scores next would win and take control of the series.

The sign on the scoreboard says it all

The teams switched sides for the overtime period, but the ice remained tilted for the Flyers. Their sustained pressure led to a Devils' penalty by David Clarkson at the 1:30 mark of OT, giving Philadelphia an all-important manpower advantage on the ice.

The Flyers go on the offensive during overtime

While the Flyers would not score during the power play, the scoring opportunities continued as Clarkson exited the penalty box. Forward Mike Richards was at the left side of the goal, trying to chip the puck past Brodeur. Suddenly, the puck trickled across the front of the crease. At the goalmouth was Flyers' winger Dan Carcillo, more known for his fisticuffs than his scoring touch. But in the blink of an eye, Carcillo became an unlikely playoff hero, stuffing the puck into the net for the game-winning OT goal!

The Flyers win in sudden-death OT

As the Flyers mobbed Carcillo in celebration, the fans in Section 220 and elsewhere inside the Wachovia Center celebrated wildly. Screams, cheers and hugs were commonplace. Only a few scattered Devils' fans would glumly head for the exits, enduring taunts from some Philly fans along the way.

Philly fans send their message to the Devils

Philadelphia now led the best-of-7 series by a 2-games-to-1 margin. The momentum from this game would benefit the Flyers, eventually eliminating the Devils in 5 games as part of their improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final.

The Flyers' playoff hopes received a big boost from this game

It was a memorable Sunday in Philadelphia. It started at Citizens Bank Park at roughly 11 am. One baseball game and one hockey game later, it concluded at the Wachovia Center at around 10 pm.

The end of a long, but memorable day

While doubleheaders are not all that uncommon, they usually involve the same sport. Being able to experience a professional baseball and hockey game in the same day -- and in the same sports complex -- required a perfect alignment of the stars.

I guess it's true that "timing is everything."

Two events -- one day -- one sports complex