Preview
The Flyers (26-13-9) will look to build momentum on last night's 6-1 victory when they travel to St. Louis to take on the Blues. Philly last played the Blues during the 2006-07 season. The clubs have met infrequently over the past decade, playing just nine times since 2000-01. The Flyers have won eight of the games.
St. Louis (19-24-4) has the worst record in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, the Blues have been playing good hockey of late. The team is coming off a 3-1 regulation loss to Ottawa in a game that was there for the taking, but sported a 3-0-1 record in the previous four games including a win over the Eastern Conference leading Boston Bruins.
Philadelphia has made a regular habit of scoring first in games, but continue to play with fire by taking too many penalties and giving back early leads. Last night, the Flyers got a huge break from a replay ruling that an apparent go-ahead goal by ex-Flyer Mark Recchi was kicked into the net. Given a reprieve, the Flyers buckled down and went on to win handily.
Originally, it was announced that Martin Biron would be back in goal tonight. Marty hasn't seen much action of late, between the All Star break and Antero Niittymaki receiving several starts. With Niiitty playing well (10-2-2 in his last 14 games with a 2.38 goals against average and .922 save percentage, John Stevens is giving him the nod once again.
It's worth noting as well that Biron never fared well against the Blues during his Buffalo days, sporting an 0-6-1 record and 2.95 goals against average.
Blues player to watch: No matter the uniform he's worn, Keith Tkachuk has made a regular habit of scoring against the Flyers. In 20 career games versus Philly, the power forward has potted a robust 15 goals and 27 points. He's scored in each of his last three games against the Flyers.
Flyers player to watch: Scott Hartnell has goals in two of his last three games and has done fairly well against St. Louis over the course of his career. As a member of the Nashville Predators, he tallied 10 goals in 35 games versus the Blues. This will be his first game as a Flyer against St. Louis, as the two teams did not play each other last season.
Flyers lines (subject to change)
Gagne - Richards - Knuble
Hartnell - Carter - Lupul
Upshall - Powe - Giroux
Cote - Metropolit - Asham
Timonen - Vaananen
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Sbisa
Niittymaki
[Biron]
Contact Bill at
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Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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