The Flyers are in Florida to play the Panthers tonight after the holiday break. The Panthers have won the only meeting of the season between the 2 teams 3-2 in Florida on October 20. The last game the Flyers played before Hitchcock and Clarke were fired.

The Flyers are coming off a 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators in Philadelphia last Saturday and are on a franchise record 9 game losing streak. The Panthers are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Carolina last night.

Robert Esche is back in the lineup which sends Martin Houle back to the Phantoms. Antero Niittymaki will get the start in net.

Peter Forsberg is still out with a concussion and wont be back until atleast the weekend. Other injuries for the Flyers include Denis Gauthier – shoulder, Mike Rathje – back, Mike Richards and Geoff Sanderson each with sports hernias.

The Flyers need to come out and play strong and have the strong play carry over to the second and third periods. The second period all year as been a disaster for the Flyers. The Flyers also need to get the power play working, currently ranked 27th in the league.