Philadelphia Single Digits with Bob Vetrone Jr.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

>>> Other than being able to play extra games in January and February and dreaming of another parade down Broad Street, one of the best things about the Philadelphia Eagles being good are the spankings they can give to their hated NFC East brethren, three of which the Birds have already applied this season.

After one time through the division – trouncing the Giants, Cowboys and Commanders – Philly is 3-0 with a +61 point differential (88-27). That is their third-best such number through three NFC East games in their history. Here are the best of those starts:

Dif. Year  (PF-PA)

+75  2002  (98-23)

+64  2004 (108-44)

+61  2024  (88-27)

+53  2014  (97-44)

+37  1992  (74-37)

+36  2010  (98-62)

+34  1981  (74-40)

+32  1980  (73-41)

+32  2006  (89-57)

The Birds’ remaining division games:

Sunday, Dec. 22: at Commanders (1 p.m.)

Sunday, Dec. 29: vs. Cowboys (4:25 p.m.)

Jan. 4/5: vs. Giants (TBD)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

>>> Last Friday, Matvei Michkov (19 years, 341 days) became the first Flyer to score an overtime goal (regular season or postseason) before turning 20 as Philly escaped a wild one in Ottawa, 5-4.

He surplanted Nolan Patrick (20y/136d), who tallied an OT winner against the Edmonton Oilers in February, 2019. Patrick had erased a mark that had stood for nearly 40 years: Ken Linseman (20y/248d) had opened a 1979 Quarterfinl series against the New York Rangers with a 3-2 game-winner just 44 seconds into extra time. It would be the Flyers’ only victory of the series.

According to Stathead.com/Hockey, Don Gallinger (17 years, 339 days) appears to be the only NHL player UNDER 18 years of age to score an OT goal, when he lifted the Bruins to a 5-4 Game 1 victory in the 1943 Semifinals. Boston would take out the Canadiens in five games before being swept by the Detroit Red Wings.

I am not sure what I was doing at 17y/339d, but if it had to do with ice, it was in a glass of something fizzing.

PHILADELPHIA SIXERS

>>> The day before Michkov etched his 19-year-old name into Flyers’ lore, an almost-as-young Jared McCain was doing the same for the team that shares their building.

He became the youngest Sixer (20y/267d) to make six three-pointers in a game, as he helped his severely under-manned team hang tough through 48 minutes with the then-undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers before falling short. Injured teammate Tyrese Maxey (at 21y/152d) had been the youngest Sixer to nail as many threes, downing eight in a win over the Pacers in April, 2022.

>>> The Sixers record (including postseason) since April 28, 2024:

3-0   Overtime Games

0-13  Regulation Games

Throw in a 133-126 double-ovetime win over the Spurs in San Antonio on April 7, and the Sixers have won four straight when the game extends beyond the allotted 48 minutes.

BIG 5 COLLEGE HOOPS

>> Don’t look now, but La Salle is off to its second consecutive 4-0 start for the first time since 1967-68 and 1968-69. Current Explorers head coach Fran Dunphy was a player on those teams.

Who is Bob Vetrone Jr.?

Bob Vetrone Jr. is a seasoned sports media professional with decades of experience in the industry. Known for his expertise in sports statistics and editorial writing, Bob has worked across various platforms. He brings unique insights and engaging content to fans and readers. He has held significant roles at renowned organizations like the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Bulletin. Vetrone Jr. has also collaborated with prominent sports broadcasters, including CBS Sports and Comcast SportsNet.

Bob’s passion for sports extends beyond writing, as he has been instrumental in shaping sports narratives with his sharp analytical skills and deep understanding of the game. He has a long-standing connection with the Philadelphia sports community, contributing to its rich storytelling tradition.

Follow Bob on X at @BoopStats

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