The Flyers have lost their 2nd straight and third under Coach Stevens last nigt to the Caps by the score of 5-3
Robert Esche coming off his shutout against Chicago Monday gave up 4 goals on 8 shots in the first period and was pulled. Antero Niittymaki played the 2nd and 3rd giving up 1 goal on 11 shots. For the Caps Brent Johnson stopped 33 of 36 shots to pick up the win. Beat by yet another backup goalie.

Captain Peter Forsberg

Sure, we’re a little frustrated, but to be honest, I don’t think we’re playing good enough to win a hockey game. If we don’t work hard, we’re not going to get out of it.

We’re not playing good enough to make them cheer.

We’re not playing good enough to get the crowd into it. We’re not good enough to watch. We’re not playing hard enough. We’re losing battles and we’re losing everybody. So it’s a tough time and I totally understand [the fan reaction].

Simon Gagen, Geoff Sanderson and R.J. Umberger each scored for the Flyers. Randy Jones and Mike Richards were each +1. The Pylon, Mark Cullen, R.J. Umberger, Alexandre Picard and Eric Merloche were -2.

Sami Kapanen led the team in ice time at 26:06 that usually has been Joni Pitkanen this year.

Gaithier led the Flyers in hits with 5 and blocked shots with 3. The Pylon actually led the Flyers in takeaways with 3. Sanderson had the most giveaways at 4.

The lines at least starting the game were
Gagne-Forsberg-Ruzicka
Calder-Umberger-Meloche
Sanderson-Richards-Kapanen
Eager-Cullen

Pitkanen-Gautheir
Hatcher-Meyer
Jones-Picard
Grenier

Picard only played the first period. With carrying seven D makes it easy to sit one when he is playing like crap.

Jonesy got to pick the three stars, Alex Ovechkin, Ben Cylmer and Brent Johnson.

Same old stuff, no heart, no passion no emotion. There was a time where if the Flyers were losing bad, the game would get a little ‘chippy’ players would get a little pissed off, but not this season. Just some quotes after the game about having to play better.

While Knuble, Robitaille, Carter and Kane were expected out Mike Rathje was not. Rathje missed the game with Piriformis syndrome or ass/back pain. Basically the same thing that made him miss 5 games last month.
The last time the Caps won in Philly was on January 31, 1998. They had held the longest road regular season losing streak for a city. With the win the Flyers hold that record now, think it is 15 straight loses in Detroit.