Abbreviated preview

Tonight's tilt in Tampa is a statement for the Flyers. The team can ill-afford another post-All Star break swoon, and the otherwise weak Bolts have won two of three games against the Flyers this season and always give Philly trouble on the road.

The Flyers have lost three of their last five games (including a loss against Tampa). They've scored first in each of those games only to be undone - or nearly undone - by one bad period. The club also needs to do a better job of staying out of the penalty box.

Flyers player to watch: Joffrey Lupul scored a goal the last time these clubs met, and has had success (10 points in nine games) against Tampa over the course of his career. With the Flyers slumping a bit offensively, Lupul is one of the players who needs to get going. Top liners Mike Richards and Simon Gagne have shown signs of coming out of their funks, but need to fully emerge sooner rather than later. According to earlier reports, Claude Giroux may see time on one of the top lines tonight.

Tampa player to watch: Goaltender Mike Smith has been impressive against the Flyers. Philly has had trouble finishing in close against him and Smith's puckhandling prowess has been put to good use. Lifetime he's 3-1-1 with a 3-1-1 record with a 2.20 GAA against the Flyers.

Flyers lines (subject to change)

Gagne - Richards - Knuble
Hartnell - Carter - Lupul
Upshall - Metropolit - Giroux
Cote - Powe - Asham

Timonen -Väänänen
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Jones

Niittymäki
[Biron]


Contact Bill at [email protected]

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