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As NHL Playoffs Begin, Flyers Pep Rally Gets Philadelphia Psyched

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Flyers' "Fight for the Cup" caravan made its way through the streets of South Philly and center city today, ending with a pep rally at the Comcast Center, 17th and JFK Blvd.

A trolley carried members of the "Fun Patrol" throwing out t-shirts to pedestrians.  The US Coast Guard had one of its "zodiac" style boats decked out in Flyers banners.  Even a Zamboni machine was being carted around.

A pep rally followed.  Flyers alums like Bob "The Hound" Kelly spoke with fans.

"It's important to give back to them," he told KYW Newsradio afterward, "get the city revved up.  This is Flyer time now -- it's playoff time!"

Many Flyers fans walked a way with arms full of giveaway items.

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(A Flyers fan checks out the t-shirt he scored at Wednesday's pep rally. Credit: John McDevitt)

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"I got a sign, a goalie mask, t-shirt, beads, and I got a bandana," said one fan.

Some said they were planning to bring the stuff to their local watering holes when they went to cheer on the Flyers.

Game one of the playoffs begins tonight at 7:30pm, against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

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