Preview
The injury-ravaged Flyers (21-10-8) complete their six-game road trip tonight when they take on the Southeast Division leading Washington Capitals (26-11-3) in a game that figures to be an extremely tough test. Last time these clubs met, the Flyers won by the most deceptive 7-1 score you're ever likely to see.
The Capitals dominated the first half of December 20 meeting and only a spectacular goaltending effort from Antero Niitymaki prevented the possibility of a 7-1 score going the other way. By the third period, the Flyers settled in and controlled the game against their frustrated opponent. Almost miraculously, the Flyers kept Alexander Ovechkin off the scoresheet in the game despite a dominant performance.
The loss in Philadelphia was the Capitals only defeat in their last 11 games. The team rides a six-game winning streak into tonight's meeting. Just as impressively, Washington has been virtually unbeatable on home ice this season. The Caps sport a gaudy 17-1-1 record at home (they're a pedestrian 9-10-2 on the road).
The Flyers are dealing with a wave of injuries that will once again require the team to dress two defensemen as forwards and may not even enable the squad to have 18 skaters. If Arron Asham is able to play tonight, the club will at least have the maximum number of skaters.
Regardless of injuries, for the Flyers to come away with a point or two tonight, they will need to get back in gear on special teams. Washington enters this game with a decided advantage at even strength, so the Flyers may need to make up for the difference other ways. The Caps are plus-12 at even strength (81 GF, 70 GA in 5-on-5 play, 4 GF, 3 GA at 4-on-4) while the Flyers are minus-six (68 GF, 70 GA at 5-on-5, 5 GF, 9 GA at 4-on-4).
But with the penalty kill struggling, it's crucial for Philadelphia to avoid undisciplined penalties. Meanwhile, the team's road powerplay has been as futile as its home powerplay has been lethal.
Bottom line: If ever there was a gut-check game, this is one for the Flyers. At the end of the night, it's all about the points. There's no free pass for the fact that it's the end of an arduous road trip, the team is ravaged by injuries and the opponent is red hot.
Lineups (subject to change)
Flyers
Gagne - Richards - Knuble
Upshall - Carter - Hartnell
Nödl - Metropolit - Sbisa
Cote - ??? - Kukkonen/Asham?
Timonen - Väänänen
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Jones
Biron
[Munroe]
Caps
Ovechkin - Bäckstrom - Kozlov
Laich - Nylander - Semin
Fehr - Steckel - Clark
Brashear - Gordon - Bradley
Schultz - Green
Morrisonn - Alzner
Collins - Jurcina
Theodore/ Johnson
Contact Bill at
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Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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