Kate Smith-God Bless America..Here is what I found on several sights. Nothing mentions the war specifially, but they do mention Kate singing it because it got a better reaction from the crowd (read into that what you will), and that the Flyers have an awsome record when it is played.. something like 80+ wins to 20+ losses (to date). The Flyers actually made a statue of her, and consider her their lucky rabbits foot. If the Flyers play like they did the last game, they are going to need the whole dang rabbing, not just the foot. Also..the Flyers only play it during "special" games. I guess they don't want the luck to run out!
Here is a snipet of one of the articles.
On December 11th, 1969 when Flyers vice president Lou Schienfield ordered the playing of Kate Smith's "God Bless America" in place of "The Star Spangled Banner". He tested several Patriotic songs in an empty arena earlier and it was Kate's song that sounded the best. This was a day when American patriotism was at an all time low and to spark fans that had appear to be disinterested earlier during the playing of the national anthem, a different song was played. There were several angry comments during that first playing, but a Flyers 6-3 win over Toronto changed their tune as well. The Flyers lost their next home game without Kate, but the subsequent home game and Kate's song resulted in another win - and the legend started.
It was up to Lou Schienfield to choose which games to play Kate. Generally it was a game by game decision - with Lou deciding on instinct or if the game was important. The first 3 years saw an incredible difference in the home records - 19-1-1 with Kate and a losing 31-38-28 record without Kate (including playoffs)
Kate's first live performance was the home opener of the 1973-74 season. Fortunately for the Flyers, Kate's 88-year-old uncle was sending Kate newspaper clippings detailing her growing relationship for the Flyers. For $ 5,000 she agreed to play live. When the red carpet rolled out , Leaf's goaltender Doug Favell - who had played all of the previous seasons for the Flyers in their franchise history, knew his new team was in trouble. If his teammates didn't fully appreciate her influence, he did. The Flyers ended up winning 2-0. It didn't take too long for other players on other teams to realize what it meant when "God Bless America" was played before a game. When the Flyers eventually made the finals and Kate played live before game 6 of the finals, Boston stars Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito tried to reverse the jinx by shaking Kate's hand and giving her flowers - it didn't work and the Flyers won the cup.
As far as the starting Goalie, I have not heard. If it is not Leighton, I will be really disappointed. Not that I think the Goalie is the whole team, but that man has stood on his head to get us this far..and in my opinion, he deserves the shot to take us all the way!
Let's go Flyers!
...I think its Briere (hope I spelled that right). Pronger kind of took himself out of the running with a horrible game 5....and "WHEN" 
the Hawks win it...I think its Duncan Keith. He has been a rock back on D. Buff possible IF he has another game like he did in game 5.
!! 
Time will tell. But I just want to say that I am proud of my Flyers tonight and always!!!!!
