Flyers' Litmus Test

[Mandaou]

(HAP) The Flyers' face the mighty Boston Bruins tonight at home, where Philly has struggled all year. The Flyers struggles at home has jeopardized one of the team's endorsement deals, but there are bigger stakes on the line tonight. First the Flyers are currently sitting 6th in the division, second, the Bruins put to test their trade deadline deals. The result of tonight's game should be a good indicator of whether the Flyers will be competitive in the playoffs against strong opponents.

"We're excited about our team. Although we failed to land another scoring winger, we picked up a critical piece on defense with Jiri Fischer," explained the GM. "In addition, Ed Belfour and Chris Chelios have been a outstanding and their experience will be critical down the stretch and in the playoffs."

Tonight we'll see just how good this club is. The Bruins are the league's most dominant team and have no apparent weaknesses on the ice. "They're a heck of a team and they deserve a healthy dose or respect, but at the same time we feel confident about our team."

Game On!!!

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[Mandaou]

Test Results

(HAP) The Flyers didn’t pass their test as the lost to the Bruins but they did prove they could go shot per shot, hit per hit and save per save.

The one goal margin of victory was indicative of how close the game was. Interestingly the Bruins also out shot Philly by one but it was special teams where Boston took this game. While Philly dominated the game 5 on 5, Boston ruled on special teams. Boston was 2-5 on the PP and killed all 4 powerplay chances by the Flyers.

“It’s been our problem all year,†said Jason Arnott. “We have some great talent on the PP but we just have not been able to find consistency when we’re up a man.†The Flyers are one of the worst special teams in the league, which must be frustrating for coach Lemaire and it’s the reason GM Mannarino was so angry about a timing issue at the trade deadline. “The main reason we wanted a player like Satan was to help our PP unit which has struggled all year.â€

However, the PP is not the least of the team’s worries. With a top flight goalie such has Belfour and defensive talent let by Souray, Rathje, White, Chelios and Markov there’s not an excuse for also being one of the worst PK teams in the league.

â€That was the difference tonight. We felt we dominated 5 on 5 but we gave up our only two goals and the PP. We’re frustrated because everyone is giving it their all but we can’t seem to stop the opposition’s PP on a consistent basis,†said assistant coach Massimo Fortunato.

After the game, Lemaire talked about different combinations on the PP and PK units. Expect Jason Arnott, the first line centre on the PK to be taken off that unit as the Flyers hope to plug in Mike Fisher into that spot with the expectations that things can only improve.

 

[Dr.Sens(e)]

Another way to look at it - if you can't beat Boston when they have Crash Test Dummy in their line-up, what are you going to do when they have McKee and Warrener back?

They were ripe for the picking last night Claudio!

On the other hand, only having 7 signed d-men could prove to be Mr. Krueger's undoing come the playoffs. He better pray for good health and that he doesn't have two injured d-man in the post-season, because ol' Crash Test doesn't have a cup ring on his finger for a very good reason.

Any hey, you've taken him down in the post-season before I believe, so you're in his head already.