Browse > Home /

Offense Keeps Rolling

October 20, 2007

Saturday night was an unusual sighting for Flyers Fans.

The opponents scored a goal.

The Flyers looked slow again in the early stages of the first period until Simon Gagne netted his third tally of the season on a great setup from Daniel Briere and Braydon Coburn. Gagne would add his fourth only 48 seconds into overtime to seal the deal for the Flyers. It was also Gagne's 400 career point in the NHL.

Marty Biron’s shutout streak ended however at over 143 minutes of play as Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes scored six minutes into the first period to tie the game at one. Biron again was the glue that held the Flyers together, stopping 42 of 44 shots, earning him the games first star.

The Flyers also found themselves in another rare position. Trailing 2-1 and entering the third period loosing for the first time this season. Mike Richards answered 1:32 seconds into the final frame as he continued his hot streak with a 'PECO power play' goal. For Richards it was his third straight game with a goal as he passes Briere for the team lead with five.

Following Richards' goal the Flyers outshot the Hurricanes 12-9 in the period. This was a vast improvement over the first two periods, as they got outshot 33-17. The Flyers held off the Hurricanes to force their first overtime of the season.

It only took one shot and 48 seconds for Derian Hatcher and Daniel Briere to find Gagne alone in front of the net. Almost the same spot he scored from in the first period. The play was under review after the teams left the ice due to the puck bouncing off Gagne's skate before he slapped it in. Brier had two assists on the night for his fourth multi-point game of the year. He leads the team with 11 points.

Interesting Note: After the Flyers had one of the worst defenses last year and were always being criticized for being too slow, they answered tonight by assisting on every Flyer goal. Braydon Coburn showed his talent in the first as he went around half of the Hurricanes team to set up the game's first goal. Kimmo Timonen made a great pass at the point on the power play to allow Richards to score his fifth of the year. And the veteran Derian Hatcher made one of his best plays all season with the game winning assist, finding Gagne wide open in overtime. The Flyers are already averaging four goals a game, imagine if the defensemen start to contribute, one can only hope.

Good luck to the Eagles tomorrow!

Sphere: Related Content

Written by reitanoav · Filed Under Game Day, NHL, Philadelphia Flyers | Leave a Comment 

Marty to the Rescue

October 19, 2007

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).

Sphere: Related Content

Written by reitanoav · Filed Under Game Day, Off Ice, Philadelphia Flyers | Leave a Comment