Spectrum gone, but memories remain

The Spectrum is no more. The old arena where Terry Murray and Ron Hextall spent their memorable years in Philadelphia has now been completely demolished, replaced by a parking lot. The last time the Kings came to town, the skeleton of the building was still standing, but it was taken down in the spring. I asked Murray if he felt any sadness at not seeing the Spectrum on the Philly horizon any more…

MURRAY: “The Spectrum was a very meaningful place for me, coming to the Flyers and joining the team the year after they won the Stanley Cup. My first time in there was an exhibition game against the Boston Bruins. It’s just an exhibition game but the place was rocking. It’s incredible. So it had an impact on me as a player, coming from the Oakland Seals to a what was a championship team and experiencing that. It was a great building. It was great for the fans. You were close to the action and the energy was very high in all those old buildings, whether it was L.A. in the old Forum or you’re coming through Maple Leaf Gardens. All of those old buildings seemed to have something special about them. Now we’re into these monuments that are taking some of that emotion away. I think all the guys who played in that era remember those times.’’

Before this, a Philadelphia reporter asked Murray whether, because of all the Philadelphia-related ties on the Kings’ roster, this game felt more special than others…

MURRAY: “It’s a special game for Mike Richards. I’ve been gone now for four years. Same with Hexy, he’s been away for a number of years. So all the players that have gone through the process have been back in town and have played their one game that is always important to get through. So the awareness if for Mike Richards, and I’m sure he’s ready to get going. He’s excited about it, and I hope the fans give him the support and show the appreciation, since he played so hard for the Flyers during his time here.’’