In a couple of hours the Flyers get to put all that Winter Classic mumbo-jumbo behind them and get back to playing indoor professional hockey...without any goddam "Sweet Caroline" third period stoppages. Today, the Flyers are in Ottawa to battle the Sens for an important two points. Let's get for real for serious extreme-focus, SAT-prepping serious right now, as all points from here on out are, as my 5th grade teacher used to say, "uuuuge." This is already the third matchup of the season between the Flyers and Sens. Each team has won a game, and with Ottawa playing some good hockey, the Sens find themselves in 5th place right now. 5 points seperate the Sens and Flyers, and for Philly, it's extremely important to keep the good vibes rollin' and grab points whenever possible.
After a horrendous start to December, the Flyers have battled back and started playing up to their potential again. Currently on a 6 game road trip, the Flyers are 4-0-1, looking to end on a high note. We can all agree that over these past 5 games we've seen a much more determined team. The forchecking, outlet passing, goaltending and shot-blocking have all been great. It feels so good to have Gagne, Powe and Betts back. The lines feel complete, and players look to be in the right places. There have been a bunch of positives, yet some areas are still of a concern. The powerplay has been a big issue for over a month. To me, it feels like the Flyers are using these 2 minutes to catch their breath, instead of attack. The diamond set up with Pronger up top is the most desirable strategy, especially with Richards and Gagne on the sideboards. The second PP unit is more or less playing straight up 5-on-4. It may be the identity of Hartnell and Carter we'll have to come to grips with. They play their game and don't switch gears all that much throughout a game. I think special teams will win or lose this game, and we'll be watching the Flyers powerplay for signs of life.
The Sens are playing good hockey in spite of the loss of Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson. Me thinks the same way the Flyers rallied around a waiver wire goalie in Michael Leighton, the Senators are doing the same with their young core. Well that, and Mr. Underwood Mike Fisher. Fisher, and the resurgance of Jonathan Cheechoo/Shean Donavan have the Senators competing every night. They remind me of the Isles...kinda gunning for overtime to see what chances they have there. The Sens have talent on the ice and enough moxie to give the Flyers fits. It'll be a tense first 10 minutes and that will give us an idea as to the psyche of Philly and how they'll respond to a frustrating end to the Winter Classic.
Second half of hockey starts today. I still hate the Senators, for whatever reason. I hate them for Zdeno Chara, for Dany Heatley and for Rob Ray. Regardless of getting a point, the Flyers should be pissed they left the second one on the ice in Boston. Are you all ready for the craziest second half of hockey in years? We sure as hell are. Let's Go Flyers.
