The Flyers' dramatic game one victory Wednesday night over the Pittsburgh Penguins was incredible for many reasons. It’s the first time in 28 years that a team won the first game of an NHL playoff series after trailing by three goals. But even more amazing than that? The Flyers did it without their “lucky” ribs.
The Flyers have won six of their last seven games at the Consol Energy Center. For a while it was believed their success was due to a specific pregame meal they had whenever they played in Pittsburgh. The team always had ribs from Dee Jay’s BBQ Ribs & Grille, a restaurant based in West Virginia, delivered to their team plane. Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette has known Dewey Guida, the owner of the restaurant, for years. Guida never had a problem providing the team the delicious meal when they were in Pittsburgh until a recent conversation with his son.
“My son called me and said ‘Dad, you’re not going to believe it. Peter said the reason why he’s been winning at the Consol Center is because of the ribs!’ I said, ‘This is April Fools!’ There was a boycott and I said, ‘We’re Penguin fans!’”
After receiving a call from the Penguins, Dewey made the decision to only provide ribs for the Penguins during the playoffs and not serve the Flyers. Flyers players took the slight in stride.
“He’s obviously a fan of the opposition and that’s fine,” said Flyers forward Jody Shelley. “So too bad for him, he lost some good clientele. We’ve moved on and the ribs are still coming.”
“Obviously he’s got good ribs but I don’t think they’re the best in the world,” said Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds.
While the Flyers no longer have their lucky ribs, they do have something a bit more valuable, home ice advantage against the Penguins going into game two Friday night. Perhaps those ribs aren’t so “lucky” after all.
