Just keep going. That’s what the Flyers have been telling themselves in every game this season.
Whatever the situation, whatever the score, just keep going, because this truly is a “new NHL,” and nothing is certain, no lead is safe, no outcome set before the final buzzer.
But the question this morning is, do they really believe that? [.continue.]

Apparently not.

If you give up 4 goals in the third period, you are never going to win.
Overall the Flyers did play well up until the third period. Even with giving up 7 goals, I still think Nittymaki played decent. The Flyer I was least impressed with was Hatcher. Does he think he is playing left wing or something? As slow as he is, he has no business going so deep into the offensive zone. Sorry, but there is no way he should be leading in minutes on ice time.

“You score six goals on the road, you expect to win. We made a lot of mistakes in the third period. We did some fundamental things wrong, and they scored on every opportunity.” Said Hitchcock.

Yeah that about sums it up.

Three stars all Carolina with Staal, Stillman and Cullen.

Therien was a healthy scratch.

Even the best goalies on the planet can have a meltdown. We offer New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur as an example.
On most nights, a 2-0 lead with Brodeur in net is nearly impossible to overcome. Last night, he allowed two soft goals in the final period as the Flyers rallied for a 5-2 victory at the Wachovia Center. [continue]

Flyers did play much better then opening night and Brodeur looked mortal in the second half of the game.
Primeau had more ice time this game and that’s a good thing. I say play him on the power play as well as the penalty kill. Tony just has a presence on the ice that is really felt.
Sharp played tonight with Radivojevic sitting out. I like Ravioli, I really do, but Sharp is a better all around player that wont take crap from anyone. Gotta play a guy like that.
Next game Toronto. Ah, get to play against Lindros in Toronto, that is if he makes it thru tonight’s game against the Canadiens. With Sundin out for at least 4 weeks, Lindros will have to step up.

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.

Sami Kapanen has become the third Flyer to be injured outside training camp.
Unlike the other injuries, his is serious.
The 32-year-old right winger is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery Tuesday at Pennsylvania Hospital to repair torn cartilage in his right shoulder. He will be lost for at least 10 weeks and a minimum of 20 games. [continue]

Thats 3 Flyers injured before training camp started.
I wonder if he is reconsidering his decision not to retire.