Bryce Harper, hockey fan | Sports Daily Newsletter

Count Bryce Harper among the fans in the area who are following the Flyers in their push for the playoffs. On the flight out west for the series with the San Francisco Giants, the Phillies first baseman tuned in Sunday and watched Porter Martone’s overtime goal that beat the Bruins.

Harper says he became a hockey fan when the Golden Knights started playing in his native Las Vegas. The Knights won a Stanley Cup and Harper would like to see the Flyers go on a postseason run.

“I’m excited to see what playoff hockey is all about, because I know that people are craving any type of winning,” he says. “But it’s a little bit different, man. Hockey, anybody can win, anybody that gets hot at the right time or their goalie is good. If a goalie gets hot at the right time and you score, it’s fun to watch.”

So count Harper in if the Flyers make the playoffs. His son Krew is a big fan, and the Phillies star would love to take him to an NHL postseason game. The fans would love to see it, too. The Flyers have not hosted a playoff game since 2018.

Harper played a key part in the Phillies’ 6-4 comeback victory over the Giants in Monday’s series-opener. He finished with three hits and drove in three runs.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

❓Which Phillies rookie will have the bigger impact, Andrew Painter or Justin Crawford? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Joel Embiid’s MVP race lasted for several years as the 76ers center was passed over in favor of star big men Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić, with the chief strike against Embiid being his availability. Embiid’s knee history has always meant that he needed to lean on load management to make it through an 82-game season and stay healthy enough to compete in the postseason. That fact was held against him for years as he lost the league’s most prestigious award. And shortly after Embiid broke through to win the 2022-23 MVP award, the NBA and its players union agreed to institute a 65-game rule for award eligibility, including All-NBA and MVP, which can be tied to lucrative contracts.

Since its initial institution, the rule has hampered some of the NBA’s biggest names. But this season has shined a bright light on the new qualification, with young players Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic disqualified. Gina Mizell spoke to players and coaches about this new phenomenon, one that nearly claimed Sixers star Tyrese Maxey after he suffered a finger injury.

Maxey did not have his best night in the Sixers’ 115-102 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama left the game after the first half with a left rib contusion, but could not take advantage of the Spurs without their star player.

The Flyers went into the trade deadline having won just six of their past 20 games. But instead of selling off key pieces and trying to move up in the draft lottery, GM Danny Brière and Co. largely stood pat.

That gamble has paid major dividends as the Flyers have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL since March 6, and on Sunday, climbed into a playoff position with five games remaining. Marcus Hayes looks at the Flyers’ decision to bet on themselves and how it has fueled the team’s unlikely playoff push.

Speaking of the team’s playoff hopes, Tyson Foerster’s improbable return from injury last Thursday has provided an added boost as the Flyers attempt to snap their five-year drought.

There were no harsh words between the coaches after UCLA beat South Carolina for the women’s national championship, only mutual respect. The Gamecocks’ coach, North Philly’s Dawn Staley, sidestepped the dustup with Geno Auriemma completely while she heaped praise on Bruins coach Cori Close.

“I’m always happy for people who’ve worked hard in this game, who are really quality people,” Staley said. “I want good things to happen for them. And Cori is one of those people who really works at making our game better — not just UCLA, but our entire game.”

Bryce Harper wants to play into his 40s and also wants to continue playing in Philadelphia. Would the Phillies be amenable to revising Harper’s deal? Scott Lauber talked to agent Scott Boras about that subject and more on Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast.

The Eagles appear to be loaded at quarterback with Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and the recently acquired Andy Dalton. There’s no guarantee that McKee won’t be traded, however, and the Eagles might want to add a fourth-string QB in the draft anyway. They tend to keep four quarterbacks on the 70-man roster (including the practice squad) during the season. Don’t be surprised if they add a QB on Day 3 of the draft. Olivia Reiner and Devin Jackson explore the possibilities.

The NFL meetings have become the only event of year when the Eagles formally make owner Jeffrey Lurie available to meet with reporters. Jeff McLane covered the event and puts Lurie’s recent remarks — from new stadium speculation to Lurie’s commitment to quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown — under the microscope with columnist Marcus Hayes. Listen here.

Who is the last Phillies skipper to be named National League manager of the year? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Rob Thomson

B) Jim Fregosi

C) Charlie Manuel

D) Larry Bowa

We asked you: How far do you believe the Flyers can go in the playoffs and why? Among your responses:

I believe a first-round match vs. Pens is a good one. 6 games, Flyers. Lots of close scores. Vs. Canes? Heavy underdogs but anyone’s beatable. Flyers in 7. Road warriors. Vs. TB in ECF? TB in 7, three games go in OT. Great series. — Rocco D.

I keep thinking hungry dogs run faster, if the Flyers hang on and make the playoffs, they will be playing with house money and skate with the sole purpose of winning. Fortunes change in a short series after a long season. If they can generate a quick goal or two and steal some momentum along with good goaltending they could surprise. Hopefully they won’t be fed prior to the opener. — Bill B.

I really don’t think that this team is ready for a long playoff run, but that is hardly the point. These last two weeks have brought the most exciting hockey this city has seen in years. Just watching this team push for that playoff berth they clearly so desperately want has rekindled the joy in this hockey fan. — Scott R.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jeff McLane, Olivia Reiner, Devin Jackson, Mia Messina, Colin Schofield, and the Associated Press.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading. Bella will bring you the newsletter on Wednesday. — Jim