Flyers mascot Gritty pens letter to fans ahead of first playoff game... eight years after he debuted

The Flyers missed the postseason the year Gritty debuted, but were back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2020. There was a problem: That was the COVID year that saw the team play their playoff slate in the Toronto bubble.

And who better for it to be against than the Pens with the Flyers holding a 2-0 series lead?

The mascot (or the Flyers' great social team) posted an open letter to fans on Wednesday.

"They say the lights are a little brighter, the orange a little orangeier, and the ftp chants a little louder. I wanted it. I needed it. I'm getting it... We're getting it."

What are "FTP" chants?

It stands for "F--- the Pens."

Yeah, that's right. Gritty isn't built like your typical mascot.

The Flyers looked solid in the first two games and have been getting some spectacular play in net from goalie Dan Vladar.

Of course, Pittsburgh will come to town hungry as their high-powered offense - one of the best in the league this season - was limited to just two goals so far this series.