Mini-preview
Of late, the Flyers have shown a propensity for alternating strong performances with utter duds. Coming off a horrendous showing against Calgary on Thursday, the Flyers will need to show improvement in all facets of the game when they take on the red hot Nashville Predators tonight at the Wachovia Center.
Entering this game, Nashville has won six straight tilts. Barry Trotz's squad has always given the Flyers trouble in their infrequent meetings. Philly has won just one of its last seven games with the Preds. The teams last played early in the 2006-07 season.
The Predators have moved into 6th place in the Western Conference by outworking opponents on a regular basis. Nashville has overcome a powerplay that struggled mightily for much of the season and is still ranked next-to-last in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Flyers once-potent powerplay has hit the skids, and faces a challenge tonight in going up against a Predators penalty kill that has moved into the NHL's top four.
Flyers players to watch: Even with Scottie Upshall having been traded at the deadline, the Flyers still have a trio of ex-Predators on the roster. It's always interesting to watch players take on their former organization, and the play of Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell in particular are always crucial elements in sparking the Flyers to play their best hockey. Young defenseman Ryan Parent will be playing his first game against the team that originally drafted him.
Predators players to watch: Jason Arnott has had modest success against the Flyers over the course of his career (15 points in 30 games), but he's been on a scoring tear of late. He has six goals and 10 points in his five games, including a hat trick against the Red Wings. Meanwhile, J.P. Dumont did not get on the scoresheet against Columbus, but he has nine points (eight assists) over his last five games.
Flyers lines (subject to change)
Gagne - Richards - Knuble
Hartnell - Carter - Lupul
Carcillo - Giroux - Asham
Cote - Powe - Nodl
Timonen - Parent
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Jones
Biron
[Niittymaki]
*****
My sincere condolences go out to the entire Howe family, following the passing of matriarch Colleen at age 76. Her last few years were very tough, as she was suffering from a form of dementia known as Pick's disease. Hockey's first family has conducted itself with the utmost class from day one, making sure Colleen maintained her dignity and was always well cared for.
Contact Bill at
[email protected]
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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