Bryce Harper is keeping close tabs on Flyers’ playoff push: ‘Just awesome to see’ SAN FRANCISCO — Bryce Harper, a Golden Knights fan, tuned in to watch the Flyers’ overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday, even as the Phillies traveled from Colorado to California. The game, which secured the Flyers’ first playoff berth since January 12, was a moment Harper couldn’t miss. He followed the action closely, flipping to the broadcast just in time to see rookie Porter Martone score his first NHL goal on the power play, sending the Flyers into playoff position. Harper praised the game’s intensity, calling it “just awesome to see.” He highlighted the dramatic nature of the overtime scenario, where the Flyers faced a five-on-three advantage, emphasizing the pressure and excitement that comes with such moments. “You’re five-on-three, you better score,” he said, reflecting on the game’s unpredictability. Martone, a 19-year-old winger who joined the Flyers after his college team, Michigan State, was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, made his NHL debut on March 31. His goal came just days after Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter made his MLB debut, marking a rare alignment of new talent in both leagues. Harper took to TikTok to celebrate Martone’s achievement, acknowledging the rookie’s impact on the Flyers’ season. Harper, a Las Vegas native, has been a Golden Knights fan since the team’s founding in 2017. He described the Stanley Cup playoffs as a transformative experience for a city, and he hopes the Flyers can replicate that energy in Philadelphia. “It’s exciting to see what that looks like in Philly,” he said. “The Flyers have had huge success early in the franchise, but it’s been a little tough in recent years. I’m excited to see what playoff hockey is all about.#michigan_state #philadelphia #bryce_harper #flyers #porter_martone
