Mini-Preview 9:30 AM
The Atlantic Division leaders will take on the Southeast Division leaders tonight at the Flyers (9-4-1) travel to the nation's capital tonight to Long Island to take on a Washington Capitals (9-4-0) club that will try to extend a three-game winning streak. The game has an unusual 5 PM (EST) start time. Last season, the Capitals took three of four from the Flyers, including both games in DC.
Last night in Uniondale, the Flyers were outplayed in the first and second periods by the Islanders but rode the strong goaltending of Sergei Bobrovsky and a surge of energy in the third period to a 2-1 victory. Mike Richards and Andreas Nodl scored the goals for Philly. However, the club's best line was the trio of Scott Hartnell, Jeff Carter and Ville Leino, who sparked the team's third period charge. Danny Briere is back in the lineup tonight after completing his three-game suspension.
The Flyers have been excellent team defense, especially of late. However, the challenge rises to another level whenever you take on Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin, Mike Green and the rest of the power-packed Caps. The club recently solved the Boston Bruins and red-hot goalie Tim Thomas. Rookie goalie Michal Neuvirth has been very good for Washington.
I will post projected starting lineups later today. With Briere back, Peter Laviolette will have to choose two among James van Riemsdyk (a healthy scratch last night), Jody Shelley and Eric Wellwood to sit. Clearly, Andreas Nodl will remain in the lineup.
****
The Phantoms (2-10-1) got blown out last night, 7-3, by the Binghamton Senators. The Phantoms have now lost their last nine games in a row (0-8-1).
Brian Stewart was in goal for the Phantoms last night. Denis Hamel scored a pair for Adirondack, while Ben Holmstrom had the other tally.
****
Today's Philadelphia Inquirer includes a special
retrospective article on Pelle Lindbergh. Pelle died 25 years ago this week. Thank you to article author Mike Jensen for interviewing me for the article -- I was honored to participate.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
Join the Discussion:
»