Preview (7:15 AM)

Following last night's 15-shot, one goal loss in Montreal, the Philadelphia Flyers (13-13-1) now find themselves with the fourth fewest points in the entire NHL. Only Carolina (19 points), Toronto (25 points) and Anaheim (26 points) trail the Flyers. The Flyers have dug themselves a hole at a time when the schedule is unforgiving.

Playing the New York Islanders is usually a cure-all for the Flyers. In recent seasons, beating the Islanders has been virtually a given, even in games where Philly does not perform well. But the Islanders play with a strong work ethic and have a young nucleus to build around. The Flyers will have to earn a win tonight at the Wachovia Center.

The Flyers have scored a mere three goals in their last four games. The club is not generating many quality chances in large part because it lacks presence in front of the opposing net. You don't need to be a big burly power forward to go to the net and battle in high-traffic areas. The Flyers aren't doing that now, and they aren't scoring. Meanwhile, the club needs to start getting its special teams -- penalty kill as well as power play -- back on the right track.

I will post the starting lineup later today.

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