PREVIEW

If the Flyers are to be considered serious contenders to come out of the East in the playoffs, they are going to have to start playing more consistent hockey. Tonight, they will get tested to the maximum when they travel to Detroit to take on the NHL-leading Red Wings.

Putting aside the Flyers' winless (0-13-2) record in Detroit spanning back to 1988, the team faces a host of challenges if they are to emerge victorious or at least gain one point out of the game.

First and foremost, the team cannot afford to chase the game. The Flyers have been giving up the game's first goal on a regular basis lately. In many games, they've responded well. But it's a losing proposition to fall behind the Red Wings.

Detroit has a 24-1- 5 record when leading after the first period, a 32-0-5 record when leading after the second stanza and a 34-4-4 record when scoring the game's first goal. Score first against the Red Wings, though, and you've got a fighting chance to win (the Wings are 12-11-5 when trailing first).

Secondly, it's crucial for the Flyers to stay out of the penalty box. The Red Wings are dangerous enough at even strength (+30 in five-on-five situations) without having to deal with the NHL's top-ranked powerplay. The Red Wings move the puck on the powerplay as well as any team in the league, and they can beat you in a lot of different ways. On the flip side, Philadelphia needs to be aggressive and physical against the Wings, and that often results in borderline penalty calls. All the Flyers can do is avoid the lazy stuff and penalties of the retaliatory variety.

Lastly, the pressure will be on Martin Biron not to allow any soft goals and to make sure he doesn't turn over pucks when he tries to handle it. Likewise, the defense needs to avoid failed clears when there's an opportunity to relieve pressure. The Wings can do plenty of damage on their own without any help from the opposition.



FLYERS LINES (subject to change)


Gagne - Richards - Knuble
Hartnell - Carter - Lupul
Carcillo - Giroux - Asham/Briere
Cote - Powe - Briere/Asham

Timonen - Parent
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Syvret

Biron
[Niittymäki]

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