Dave:

Both teams failed to make the playoffs last year. Both teams had up and down seasons. Most recently the Sixers have been WAY up going 21-7 in their last 28. The Flyers had a tough time rebounding from a 10 game losing streak but they also found their way into the second season.

Chronologically it was the Flyers first. They started off strong with a goal by R.J. Umberger that was deflected in front of the net by a Devils defenseman. The team forgot about it’s 1-5-1 record against the Devils this season and played sound defense, controlling the puck for the majority of the game and ended up dominating in shots as they had 15 more than their New Jersey foes.

The pressure continued throughout the first and second periods when although the Flyers didn’t capitalize on power play opportunities, they maintained control of the puck; something that is crucial against this strong yet pesky New Jersey team. All hesitation that was there in games leading up to their improbable playoff run was gone. Flyers defensemen carried the puck out of their zone with ease and made great breakout passes that led to odd-man rushes. If it wasn’t for the always great play of Brodeur, this game would have been put away early.

Third period goals by Joffery Lupul (the 7th Flyer this season to have at least 20 goals) and Scottie Upshall did put it away in the end, as the Devils basically conceded with under 10 minutes pulling Martin Brodeur in lieu of Kevin Weeks. The Flyguys got exactly what they needed from their Marty B; excellence. The 3-0 shutout was the fourth for Biron this year as his stellar play in between the pipes (22 saves) got him the number one star of the game.

The Flyers clinch a playoff spot with one game remaining against Pittsburgh on Sunday at 3pm on Comcast SportsNet. The orange and black could finish as high as sixth which would put them against a Southeastern team. Although it seems there are an infinite number of playoff possibilities, this would clearly benefit the Flyers the most. That is, of course, if somehow the Washington Capitals lose at home tomorrow to the Florida Panthers. That scenario would mean the Carolina Hurricanes win the Southeast, a team the Flyers have swept the season series from this year.

The game to close the season for the Flyers now becomes perhaps

Before the excitement of playoff hockey could fully settle in, playoff berth struck again in Atlanta where the Sixers beat a Hawks team that was winner’s of five straight contests entering tonight’s against the Sixers.

Aaron:

Phillips Arena in downtown Atlanta was the location on February 4. The opposition was the feisty Atlanta Hawks. The Sixers had lost a heartbreaker to the Orlando Magic just 3 days earlier, and here they were playing with a hop in their step. They closed out the first quarter up 18 points, things were looking good. But things fell apart right in front of them, and they dropped the game to the Hawks, sending their record to 18-30.

18-30. That’s 12 games under .500 with just 34 games left to play. Boston and Detroit were pulling away as the top seeds in the conference, but after dropping 12 games under .500, the prospects of sneaking into the post-season as an 8 seed were looking dim.

Then something happened. Something that culminated in glorious and seemingly unbelievable fashion. Tonight the Sixers went back to Phillips Arena, played the Hawks, and came out with a win to clinch themselves a spot in the 2008 NBA playoffs. This win is a testament to so many things: outstanding coaching, young players maturing their games and stepping up in big situations, team leaders grabbing control. To climb back into the playoff picture and rise above the .500 mark the Sixers went on one of the greatest turnarounds in franchise history. After tonight’s victory their record is now that of 39-37; making them 21-7 in their last 28 games. Now that, Sixers fans, is unbelievable.

After topping the Hawks tonight by a score of 109-104 to punch their playoff ticket, the team was jubilant in the locker room. Willie Green was capturing all he could of the festivities on his camcorder. Coach Cheeks was high-fiving every player, coach, and trainer in the room. Smiles were wide on the faces of everyone. However, the Sixers will be the first to tell you, they still have work to do. There are 6 games left and they have a chance to climb as high as the 5 seed which would be ideal for them come playoff time.

But for tonight, just tonight, it was a true joy to watch these men celebrate. In a span of 2 months they reversed their season 180 degrees. They went from the cellar of the conference to clinching a playoff berth. Every single player on this team stepped up their game and gave it all to win each and every night. Nobody believed in this team except the men wearing the jerseys. That will probably be the case in the playoffs too, but I can tell you this: they don’t mind that one bit. When you go 21-7 and beat the elite teams in the NBA along the way, you have to believe that you belong with the top teams. Tonight, as they have for the past few months, the Sixers believed. And tonight, the Sixers and the Flyers are headed to the playoffs.

Video of the Sixers locker room celebration coming up soon.