Julius Erving on a breakaway.

The Legion of Doom, with the puck, at full speed.

DeSean Jackson ready for a punt-return.

Chase Utley, in 2008.

How many Philadelphia athletes, over so many years, have so conditioned the fan base to expect success that there mere presence elicits calm, not panic?

Danny Briere is one.

Briere scored the game-winner, in overtime of the Flyers' 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday. But it was what happened just before that would tell the deeper story.

"Yeah," Briere said, smiling, "I heard it."

What he heard was a roar of anticipation --- the kind of anticipation that only few athletes earn. Naturally, he delivered.

"That's why he is a special player," Jakub Voracek said.


Check out my column on Danny Briere and the way the fans expect him to deliver, Sunday in the Daily Times and, as always, on delcotimes.com