It was all there: an oval filled with fans wearing orange “Back Where We Belong” T-shirts, a national television audience, thundering applause to greet Peter the Great, even a penalty shot.
Hockey returned to the Wachovia Center last night for the first time since the May 2004 playoffs, after a yearlong lockout, as the Flyers faced the New York Rangers. The ingredients for opening-night success were there. [continue]

The Rangers did all they could to lose the game in the first two periods with bad penalties. My favorite Rangers penalty was Jagr playing the puck while still on the bench. That was just funny.
The Flyers were just out played and out hustled the entire game and Esche gave up two potentially soft goals. Just having skill does not mean you don’t have to play hard, I think the Flyers realized that after the game. Forsberg looked good especially on the power play.
Seidenberg left the game in the second period after being boarded. OLN commentator said a little later he had a concussion, but I don’t see anything about it today. With Hatcher out for two more games, they might have to call someone up.
Flyers host the Devils on Friday and they better step it up, the Devils looked excellent in their opener.