Episode 5: 1974 Philadelphia Flyers

In 1973-74 the Philadelphia Flyers were known as the Broad Street Bullies.  Their nickname tells you what they’re most remembered for: the '74 Flyers never met an opponent they didn’t want to beat up.  They also had a coach, a center, a left winger, and a goalie who would make it to the Hall of Fame.  But the '74 Flyers elevated goon hockey to a new level.  The Bullies broke noses, filled seats, grabbed headlines, and paved the way for an unprecedented era of brawling in the NHL.  They also won a Stanley Cup.

Pictured is left wing/enforcer Dave Schultz.  Primary sources for this episode were two books by author Jay Greenberg:  "Full Spectrum" and "The Flyers at 50", and a three-part New York Times series in 2011 by John Branch on late enforcer Derek Boogaard.

The Philadelphia Flyers of 1973-74 were known as the Broad Street Bullies. Their nickname tells you what they're mostly remembered for. The '74 Flyers never met an opponent they didn't want to beat up; their logo should have been a clenched fist.