Flyers, Sixers Showing Signs Of Life: This Week In Philly Sports

PHILADELPHIA, PA — It's not something Philly sports fans usually talk about, or haven't for years, unless it's something negative.

But the Philadelphia Flyers and Sixers are showing signs of life so far earlier in their seasons.

Usually, all the talk focuses on the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and that certainly won't change, but our two other doormat teams are rising from the ashes — and it has to do with some important changes.

Sixers No Longer Need To Rely On Joel Embiid

The Sixers would only go as far as star Joel Embiid could go. But injuries have derailed the big fella's Hall of Fame potential. And now the focus on the team has shifted to three guards.

The Sixers have moved to a new era centered around star guard Tyrese Maxey, rookie sensation V.J. Edgecomb, and second-year stud Jared McCain, who has returned from injury.

The Sixers came out of the gate with a 4-0 start, but have lost a few close games to reach a 5-3 record as of Friday.

But the future looks bright, and there's really no reason this franchise can't thrive in the future without the always-injured Embiid and the oft-injured Paul George, who has yet to play this season.

They are too slow and broken down now to run with the young guns.

Are the playoffs a possibility? If Coach Nick Nurse can work on lowering the playing minutes a bit, and preventing this team from blowing big leads, and avoiding collapsing at the end of games, then the Sixers might have found their formula.

Fly Guys Flying High As Youth Movement Takes Hold

Who are these Fly Guys? Take a look at the standings of the National Hockey League and you'll see the Philadelphia Flyers near the top of the mountain.

In 14 games so far this season, the Flyers are 8-5-1 and have 17 points, for fourth right now in the Metropolitan division.

Coach Rick Tocchet has brought Tockey Hockey to the City of Brotherly Love, letting fans dream of playoff possibilities for a change this season.

General Manager Danny Briere and frontman Keith Jones have provided the leadership, along with Tocchet, of former Flyers who know how to win and know the way to get there.

Yes, the team may be rebuilding, but they are heading — finally — in the right direction.

While old Flyers like Travis Konecny, and Sean Couturier, the team is bolstered by the play of Russian sensation Matvei Michkov, trade acquisition Trevor Zegras, staples Owen Tippett, Travis Sanheim, and Nick Seeler, and youngsters Bobby Brink, Cam York, and Noah Cates. Meanwhile, veteran Dan Vladar has provided some solid goaltending between the pipes.