I was at the Wachovia Center last night when Mike Knuble ended the longest game since the building opened in 1996. It was the high-water mark of the organization since the lockout, the Flyers lead the Washington Capitals in the best-of-seven 3 games to 1.

Jeff Carter had two goals, and Danny Briere notched his 5th goal of the series, and tied the game with 9:59 to play.  It was pretty clear that the game would be headed to overtime. The Caps also put their best foot forward, somewhat, perhaps playing their best game of the series. Even as Alexander Ovechkin was shutdown once again, he had the game-winning goal on his stick with a wide open net and missed.

However, to be at such a game, is an experience that every hockey fan must take in. There’s nothing better in sports than hockey playoff overtime. As each play develops, there is a potential for not just the game to end, but for there to be such a huge swing in momentum. Had the Flyers finished the job in Game 1, they would have been going for the sweep. Instead, by the end of the game, the series could be tied and becomes a best-of-three series.

Each team traded 11 shots a piece in the first overtime without the game being decided, so another 15-minute intermission of near-anxiety attacks went by. Quaking in your seat. Checking your hand to see how furiously it is shaking due to the nerves. Stomach in knots.  A nervous/raucous Flyer crowd chanted “Let’s Go Flyers” as the second overtime began.

The Flyers dominated the second overtime, out-shooting Washington 7-1, the last being Knuble’s goal at 6:40 of the period, and around 11:00pm local time. Anxiety turned into euphoria, and then into exhaustion as we filed out of the building. Thank goodness the Flyers won or else not only would we be tired, but pissed off as well.