3-15-11 Flyers @ Panthers Recap

1st Period
I thought the team might have something to prove after collapsing in the final minutes of their last game.  I really thought that the Flyers would come out with some extra jump in their step, but it looked like they didn't know what time the game started. The Panthers pushed the pace to start the period and ended the period by laying a few heavy hits as the clock ran down.The Flyers out shot and out chanced the Panthers in the period, but it didn't feel like it.

Dan Carcillo's fight sparked the Flyers in the 2nd period

The Flyers', once again, give up a goal immediately after scoring. There wasn't much Boucher could have done about the second goal, and maybe the first goal was the perfect shot that the announcers said it was, but you still want the goalie to make that save. They squander away yet another 5-on-3 power play, and had entirely to many turnovers.

The ice in is just horrid tonight. The puck is bouncing all over the place and players are having a really hard time getting it to settle down. Not an excuse for the bad play, just wanted to make a note of it.


2nd Period
Much better period by the Flyers. Dan Carcillo shows a little emotion by dropping the gloves, and the Flyers score a goal. Danny Briere shows some extra hustle to beat the Panthers' D to a loose puck, and the Flyers score a goal. Some good lessons for the Flyers to learn that period. Mainly, if they put forth the effort and emotion, they possesses the talent to win games.

Even though the Flyers played better that period, they still have an extra gear that they can shift into. It would be nice to see them come out and put the Panthers away in the third. Maybe since the team took the first period off, they will put in a good third and get out of South Florida with two points.

3rd Period
Well, a win is a win. The Flyers played ok in the third. Not as good as the second, but a lot better than the first. They had some good scoring chances and continued to press for the majority of the period. The Panthers were able to generate some sustained pressure late in the period, but Boucher made some good saves down the stretch to help secure the two points.

The win keeps the Flyers in first place in the East and three points ahead of the Penguins. It will be interesting to see how the Flyers play on Thursday when they travel to Atlanta to play the Thrashers. Hopefully the team can take another step forward and pick up another important two points.