Any Rangers fan can tell you that the Philadelphia Flyers – formerly The Broad Street Bullies -- never were warmly welcomed at Madison Square Garden. But there was one significant exception. During the 1967-68 season – the first of the great NHL Expansion from six to twelve teams – the Flyers were slated to play a home game at The Spectrum against the Oakland Seals. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG However, a severe storm blew the roof off The Spectrum leaving Philly without a home rink and the NHL with a TV commitment to play the game. The Flyers' "home" game was played at Madison Square Garden a mere two weeks after the spanking new Garden had opened. The New York Times called it "One of the most intriguing situations in National Hockey League history." A crowd of 12,127 -- including The Maven -- showed up to watch a 1-1 tie. Former Rangers defenseman Larry Cahan scored the tying goal for Oakland. If nothing else, The Garden did not give Philly "home ice advantage."
