Who's Here?

The scheduling gods are cruel to us Flyers fans. Just when they look like they are ready to roll, winning consecutive games by the combined score of 12-3, they have to put it in neutral for 4 days. During that span, the team got sicker than Patrick Swayze(too soon?) and now looks to be really banged up right before taking on the hottest goalie in the league. The fates are cruel to us, Flyers fans. Normally, I'd be super pumped to be playing the Sabres. They are always good tilts and each game has a flair for the dramatic. I liken the Sabres to be our 'Capitals' of the Northeast. Sure, we have history with the Bruins and Sens, but the Sabres are always a good fight, no matter who is dressing.

Buffalo is currently 3rd in the East and 1st in the Northeast, jumping all over a weak division. Backed by Miller, who'll bring us the sweet gold in Vancouver, the Sabres have a steady D and get scoring from everywhere. Thomas Vanek, Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, and Jason Pominville are the top dogs but don't be suprised if some secondary players get in the scoring mix tonight. Little runts like Clarke MacArthur and My Giants like Tyler Myers are having decent starts to the year and are taking the load off of Vankey, who only has 7pts in 10 games.

As Ryan mentioned earlier today, faceoffs will be huge tonight. Hopefully a flu-infested Jeff Carter can still perform well. Look for Lappy and Betts to be called on a lot tonight. I see this as a tight game with special teams being the difference. The Flyers PP and PK are both hot and if that continues tonight ,expect a victory. The PP might be the only way to get past Miller this year. That, or a Hartnell Express® right into his gut in the first period. Say what you will about the Flyers crashing the crease, but one way to rattle a hot goalie is to get in his face, and stir his kool-aid. I really hope Briere plays, but you never know with that guy. If he is still banged up PLUS battling the flu, then don't expect Breeze to suit up against his former mates. He still gets love in Buffalo and I'm hoping he can come back and contribute tonight. A good challenge awaits us in the next two days. Back to back games against two teams that are hungry to make the playoffs. Buffalo looks to be legit so the Flyers better bring their pressure early and often. For every point that Rabbit gets tonight I'm slugging a beer. I hope I'm 10 beers deep by 2nd intermission.

Let's snort Tamiflu and shoot up Z-packs before the game. Let's remind Philly that this is as much a hockey town as a baseball town. Let's get 3 straight. Let's Go Flyers.