Flyers Drop Game to Habs in OT 4-3

Subject: Flyers Drop Game to Habs in OT 4-3 Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:37 pm

Flyers started the first half of the first period with a bang scoring 2 goals by Joffrey Lupul (18th) and Mike Richards (24). From the way the Flyers came out with such a good start, you would think they had the game already in the bag...well, we thought wrong. Someone lit a fire under the skates of the Habs in the second half of the first scoring two goals by Tomas Plekanec (17-PPG)) and Tom Kostopoulos (7) in a 13 second span, and a third goal by Alex Kovalev (15) less than two minutes later sending the Flyers to the dressing room with their tails between their legs down 3-2.

Only one goal was scored in the second period by Simon Gagne (24) to tie the game at 3-3 but there was plenty of action. The Flyers got back on their feet and had some good scoring chances outshooting the Habs 18-5 but Jaroslav Halak made some excellent saves to keep them in the game. Tensions were high and both teams were pushing and shoving but that's to be expected with a Flyers/Habs matchup when both teams are jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference rankings. Flyers had two 5 on 3 opportunities, once early in the period, and another towards the end of the period but could not convert on either.

The third period was fast paced with a lot of back and forth hockey but no goals scored. The intensity of the game toned down from the second as both teams seemed to be focusing more on trying to win the game.

The Habs finished off the game in overtime with a goal by Mathieu Schneider (7-PPG) on what I found to be a weak goaltender interference call on Scotty Upshall, but that's no excuse. When your team has 8 power play opportunities including two 5 on 3's, they need to convert. Mike Richards couldn't have described it better when he called it "sloppy". What more can you say?

The Flyers power play has been dismal lately and have dropped in the league rankings from 2nd a few weeks ago down to 4th. Before tonight's game, the Flyers have gone something to the effect of 8 of their last 57 power play opportunities and look like they've lost a piece to their puzzle...they need to get back to the basics. Hopefully, the return of Kimmo Timonen who has missed the last three games with the flu will help to boost them back into the swing although their troubles started well before this.

Jim Jackson (Flyers TV announcer) made a comment today once again eluding to a goalie controversy brewing in Philly. Both Biron and Nittymaki have been what I'll call "par" but not spectacular. As I already stated before, I don't think either of these goaltenders can bring the Flyers to the Stanley Cup. If nothing happens before the trade deadline, I'm sure the Flyers will be looking to draft a goalie as well as thinking short term and picking up a top notch goaltender in the offseason if one becomes available.

Danny Briere was ready to play tonight but with Kimmo Timonen still out with the flu, there wasn't enough money in the Flyers cap to let him play since Lasse Kukkonen was filling in for him. Talk about teetering on the edge of disaster...

A note to Habs fans about Glen Metropolit: I think you'll find him to be a workhorse. He's no superstar but he's definitely a solid player. I liked him a lot since he always showed up for the games. Best wishes to Metropolit!

Good game tonight Habs fans!! We might meet again in the playoffs!!

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