The Flyers got outplayed in the first and third periods of yesterday's MSG matinee but somehow managed to coax a 1-1 deadlock out of the first period and then parlay a strong second period and nerve-racking final stanza into a 4-2 win. Coupled with the Chicago Blackhawks' shootout win against Pittsburgh yesterday, the Flyers extended their lead atop the Atlantic Division to six points (with a game in hand) over the Penguins and eight points ahead of the idle Tampa Bay Lightning for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
With the way the Flyers have played over the last eight days, however, I am glad that the playoffs aren't starting right now. They have looked pretty ragged at times of late. Frankly, it was very fortunate for the Flyers that they stayed out of the penalty box entirely yesterday. I did not feel confident in successful penalty kills yesterday, especially as the lead shrank to one goal in a lopsided third period. If the Flyers had finally taken a penalty in the waning minutes of the game, I think the Rangers would tied the game.
Part of the Flyers' recent unevenness, I think, is due to the ridiculous schedule this month that gave the team too many long breaks between games (a week-long All-Star break and, two weeks later, just a single game in an entire week) followed by five games -- including a pair of afternoon games -- in an eight-day period.
A schedule like that makes practice tough, and definitely impacts what you see on game nights. When there are too many days between games, it's hard to stay mentally focused and sharp. When the schedule is too compacted, it makes more sense to give players off or conduct light practices.
Meanwhile, the Flyers' lineup is getting a little banged up (Blair Betts's hand, Ville Leino's groin strain, Mike Richards' weakness from the flu, Sean O'Donnell's knee, Brian Boucher's neck stinger). That's just the reality for every team, especially this time of year. I just hope the injuries stay manageable and short-term. Thankfully, the team has built itself a little cushion in the standings -- not one in which they could go into a prolonged tailspin, but one in which they needn't wear out their key personnel because they aren't in must-win situations right now.
That's why collecting two points -- and doing it in regulation against a conference rival -- on a day like yesterday is so helpful this time of year.
****
Today's
Daily Drop at Versus.com looks at the myths and reality of the fateful 2005 trade that sent Patrick Sharp from the Flyers to the Chicago Blackhawks. Obviously, in hindsight, it was a disastrous deal. At the time it was made, though, it was just one of the dozens of minor trades that go on around the NHL in a given season.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
Join the Discussion:
»