Tony Amonte had a goal and an assist tonight, and the goal-deprived Flyers actually scored FIVE tonight in beating the Hurricanes 5-3. One of the goals was scored by John LeClair, in his first game back after shoulder surgery. When LeClair scores a goal the Flyers are 50-6-10 over the last four seasons. And they've edged to within two points of the Devils. Dare I get my hopes up for some playoff success? Hmmmm...

When the puck's in the net
Then last year I'll forget
That's Amonte....

Is Gagne back yet?

Last I heard, no.

Well, we will see how Amonte holds up in the long run, but this certainly may be a much better team from him than Phoenix.

Trevor

Well, I am hoping now that Leclair is back and Amonte is in the lineup the Flyers can light the lamp at the tune of 5 goals a game more often.

Gagne hurt his groin again the last time he tried to play, so he's most likely going to sit for the rest of the regular season and try again at the start of the playoffs.

Always been a big fan of that hunky ex-Hab Johnny Leclair. Glad to see him back in the line-up. Let's see if can spark the rest of the team to start scoring some goals now.

The race for the top of the Atlantic Division should be interesting. With the Devils up by 2 measly points (but 3 more wins), both teams have 13 remaining games, each with 6 at home, 7 away. The Devils play +.500 teams 6 times (Flyers, Isles (twice), Lightning, Leafs and Bruins), while the Flyers play +.500 only 4 times (Devils, Predators, Bruins and Lightning). Looks like the division winner would play the Lightning, Bruins, or Isles in Round 1 of the playoffs, the runner-up likely facing off against the freshly-stacked Leafs. That could make a big difference. Or maybe I'm getting ahead of myself with over two weeks left on the season....

Hmmm...Amonte, Leclair, Roenick...when did Americans learn to play hockey??

More excitement Saturday--LeClair scored again, 3 assists for Amonte, 2 goals by my boyfriend!!!!!

First-place showdown with the Devils tonight!

Update: Flyers 4, Devils 2--Amonte scores again! First-place tie, 91 points each! Woo-hoo!

[ March 17, 2003, 06:48 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

The Flyers seem to be scoring in clusters, 4 to 5 goals per game, unlike earlier in the season. That's definitely a good sign heading to the playoffs, where a team cannot count on winning games 1-0. This brings up a question about the Devils: why the hell didn't they pick up a sniper before the deadline? They really seem to be reliant on their D to take them deep into the playoffs, but (as I wrote earlier) a team cannot win the Cup merely by winning 1-0 games.

~Adam

Please someone pinch me... clarke made a good trade? sixers are 1/2 game back of the nets?... amazing...

Letdown? 5-2 loss to Buffalo. LeClair and Amonte both scored but some poor goaltending by backup Robert Esche and some defensive breakdowns occurred. Oh well...

Esche gave up 5 goals on 23 shots - not very good! And what's with Brashear getting into a fight 11 seconds into the game? The Devils just beat the Habs 1-0 (Brodeur was tremendous), so for Philly it's back to square one, stuck in the fourth seed.

Yes, it was a very dissapointing loss to the Sabres, after coming off an emotional win against the Devils. I had the feeling they might have letdown game but I did not expect the Flyers to play so poorly. I suppose the Flyers brought their backup game to go with the backup goalie.

It was nice to see the Rangers win a clutch game over a quality team (let alone in a place that they never win like Philadelphia). Blackburn was fresh and rested, and bringing him in unexpectedly gave him less time to think that he was playing the Flyers. Too bad the ABC affiliate here in Washington will not listen... They don't seem willing to accept the fact that this is an Eastern Conference city. Showing the national game (Let's see... we've gotten Detroit for 3 weeks in a row) does not affect the Caps at all.

I hear you Cattledog about the Wings. Its like ok, lets see somebody else for a week, maybe just once ok??? They just don't get it. Did you see though where the Wild shut out the Wings 4-0 last night. Like wow, that is incredible! Go Wild! wink

Agreed we're seeing an over-abundance of Wings. ESPN2's "NHL Tonight" often "challenges" viewers to name two Canucks before showing their highlights. Wouldn't it be nice if the "worldwide leader" showed some of their games? Or how about Ottawa? After all, it looks like either of these teams could make it to the Cup finals and if possible viewers don't know the teams--and the players--there would be little reason to watch. Compare the way ESPN spotlights specific teams--Wings, Rangers (why???), Flyers, Avs, Stars--with the much wider spotlight TNN and ESPN uses on numerous NBA teams--viewers are familiar with LA, Dallas, Sacramento, Philly, NJ, Houston, Detroit.

~Adam

Because they just don't get it Adam. I think some people at ESPN and 2 have their collective heads stuck in the sand. Its like they are afraid some people might actually want to see somebody other than the Wings, I guess.

When I was in Toronto last month, it was incredible because they would show different teams on Sportsnet or CBC or whatever. Of course, the Leafs and the Sens have TV precedence (I was at that game anyway at ACC), but they still are able to show Minnesota or Edmonton or San Jose or yes, even my beloved Rangers. If I wasn't having so much "fun" in Toronto's gay ghetto, I would have spent even more time in front of the t.v.