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Flyers Gameday: 4-7-09 vs. Panthers |
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PREVIEW
With four games left in the regular season, the Flyers hold their own fate in their hands. If the team gains seven points, they will clinch home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs regardless of what the Hurricanes or Penguins do. The final playoff push starts tonight when the Flyers take on the desperate Florida Panthers at the Wachovia Center.
The Flyers lost 4-2 to Florida at the Wachovia Center on March 26 and have dropped two of the three games played so far in the season series. Last time out, the Flyers outshot Florida, 42-28, but were thwarted by Craig Anderson. Brett McLean's early third period goal snapped a 2-2 tie for the game winner.
Plain and simple, the Flyers need to start playing better hockey for 60 minutes a night -- stronger defense, sharper goaltending, more disciplined in staying out of the penalty box and fewer nights of chasing the game. If they don't do those things, it doesn't matter where they finish in the standings.
Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux both missed practice yesterday but should be able to play tonight. Randy Jones continues to struggle with the hip problem that's plagued him since training camp but will remain in the lineup.
FLYERS LINES (Subject to change)
Gagne - Richards - Knuble
Hartnell - Carter - Lupul
Briere - Giroux - Asham
Cote/Nödl - Powe - Carcillo
Timonen - Parent
Coburn - Carle
Alberts - Jones
Biron
[Niittymäki]