Who would have thought that the Philadelphia Flyers goalie problem would be cured from the shadows of Dominik Hasek. For the last two games, Flyers goalie Martin Biron has baffled opponents by making highlight real saves. Over the span he has stopped 82 Shots and has not allowed a goal in over 137 minutes of play.
The Flyers, who are off to a much better start then last year find themselves 5-1 and on top of the Atlantic Division. They are also off to a perfect 3-0 start at home, much better than last year when they had a dismal record of 10-24-7. Beating the Devils on Thursday night also snapped an eight game losing streak to their division foe dating back to March 21, 2006.
Although Biron has been getting most of the credit, the offense has been on fire averaging 4.1 goals a game. This night was no different than past games. After a slow 1st period start, which seemed like the Wachovia Center ice was made of jello, the Flyers found their skating legs early in the second. Mike Richards scored on a bullet snap shot high to Martin Brodeur’s right side opening up the scoring.
Former Flyer’s goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, who was broadcasting the game on HDNet stated, “I believe whoever scores first, will open this game up.†He was right.
Less than 5 minutes latter Sami Kapanen scored on a knuckle puck that fooled Brodeur. The shot look like it came straight from Disney’s Mighty Ducks movie as it changed direction in mid flight to give the Flyers a 2-0 lead. Kapanen is off to one of his best starts in his career scoring goals in each of his last 3 games.
Who would have also thought after signing Daniel Briere to an 8 year $52 million contract, that Mike Richards would be only trailing him by 1 point? Briere with 9 points (4 G, 5 A) leads the team ahead of Richards 8 points (4,4) and newly acquired Joffrey Lupul is in third with 7 (2,5). Last year in a season that barely saw any production other then the top line, the Flyers are scoring at ease, and its coming with from the second, third and forth lines….a good feeling for any Flyers Fan.
Most fans might not notice the hard work of newly acquired Scott Hartnell. On Kapanens play Hartnell picked the Devils right winger allowing the puck to be taken by Kapanen down the ice for the goal. Other times when the Flyers are not skating hard, Hartnell is flying around at 110%, fore- checking and causing turnovers. Flyers Fans watch out….he will be a great player this year.
Interesting Note: The Flyers who had a horrible +/- rating last year only find 2 of their players in the negative. Who you may ask….Simon Gagne (-1) and Mike Knuble (-2). Defensemen Randy Jones leads the team (+8).
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