I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone celebrating Christmas a joyous and safe holiday.

The Flyers overcame a miserable second period last night to get past Tampa Bay by a 5-2 score. The game was at least a potential step in the right direction -- but only if the Flyers build from it on Saturday and Sunday when they take on the Hurricanes and Islanders. It was encouraging to see the Flyers re-take control of the game after blowing a 2-0 lead. On many nights, a 40-minute perfomance won't be enough but all that counts this morning is that the Flyers got a desperately needed win.

I think it's helpful for the Flyers to be playing away from the Wachovia Center right now. Once they get done the two-day break for Christmas, the team plays six of its next seven games on the road, including the Winter Classic on New Year's Day.

With the exception of the game at Fenway Park, the upcoming stretch should offer fewer distractions and, hopefully, an opportunity to start showing that the team can adapt to Peter Laviolette's system.

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