Power play back? Flyers cruise in third to 5-2 win

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While Sabres fans are contemplating the end of their season tonight, the Flyers are looking ahead at what could be a bright postseason. For the second straight game, the Flyers offense exploded, the defense buckled down, and the goaltending was solid to give the orange and black a convincing victory.

Amid the quality performance in every aspect of the game tonight, perhaps the most reassuring fact was that the power play finally looked like it’s old self again. The first Flyers goal that tied the game at one was not only clutch, coming in the final minute or so of the period, but it was also converted thanks to a beautiful power play.

Claude Giroux got an assist on that goal, and he had another masterful game. His insertion into the power play has been a brilliant move, but he doesn’t just stop there. He continues to make Dan Carcillo and Arron Asham look like excellent scoring forwards with his pinpoint passing accuracy.

Jeff Carter also reemerged tonight with two goals. His line, which also stars Joffrey Lupul and Scott Hartnell, combined for eight points and four of the Flyers five goals. It seems that as that line goes, the Flyers go, so their play will be big down the stretch here.

Martin Biron looked great tonight, and that’s something we’ve had the pleasure of saying the past two nights. He made 27 saves to follow up Saturday’s 31 save effort against Nashville. It should be interesting to see if Coach Stevens rides the Biron-train for the time being, but recent history shows he’ll probably go to Antero Niittymaki on Thursday when the Flyers face slumping Washington.

Questions With Answers

1. So, uh, that Carcillo-Giroux-Asham line actually lasted the whole game on Saturday. What’s the encore like? Giroux continued his magic on this line, and as I mentioned, he makes the other two look like offensive dynamos. You’ve got to give them credit though for keeping up with Claude. Color me impressed.
   Does Biron continue his magic against his old team? He sure does. Marty has been absolutely fantastic against the Sabres. I bet they’re really wishing that trade rumor from deadline day that had Biron going back to Buffalo was true.
   Which Sabres team shows up tonight? I was not impressed by the Sabres at all tonight. Their first goal was a fluke and they seemed to be just kind of holding on until the third period. The Flyers stepped on the gas and there was no looking back.
   Which Flyers team shows up tonight? The good one. Let’s make it three in a row on Thursday.