Flyers Gameday: Rivalry week continues

There are so many good games this time of year. Everything is an intense affair. Nothing is better than playing our rivals, and tonight, the Flyers get another tough test in the New Jersey Devils. NJ has been their regular selves this year, giving the Flyers fits, and making it very hard for the Flyers to pick up points on them. It's not hard to see why. NJ is put together well, coached well by the scariest man in hockey, and gets great effort every night from their players. I look at New Jersey and Detroit as having the most solid lineup, from top to bottom, giving NJ the nod for best lineup due to the net-cutting fatso they put in net. What's great about the Flyers is how well their lineup can adapt to any opposition they may face. They did an excellent job shutting down the Pens yesterday, and will have to set up a different game plan to stop the Devils, one that involves less turnovers, and alot more puck possession. The Flyers can run with anyone, shut down anyone and be just as physical as anyone. I think tonight is a night we see the Flyers full range of talents. From great rushes, a sustained forecheck, some bruising hits, open mouth kissing, solid defense and good goaltending.

Marty Biron, fresh off a stellar performance in Pittsburgh gets the nod again tonight. He deserves it, as he is really playing well right now. Since the Flyers love being out shot, we need him on his game from here on out. He can steal games for us, keep us in a close game and can really get the home crowd going if he plays the way he did yesterday. Opposing him will probably be the best goalie of all time, Martin Broduer. He loves beating the Flyers, but he also loves banging his wife's sister, so you never know what to expect from the guy (expect a lot of saves). The key to Broduer, if there is one, I think is to rattle him. Make him uncomfortable and not able to see the shots he's going to face. Get Hartnell and Knuble to take up residence in the Hotel Del Crease tonight and have them book an extended stay. It'll be great to hear opposing chants of "Marty! Marty! Marty!" and "Maaaarrrteeee, Maaaaarrrrteeeee" tonight and lets hope those leisure suit wearing Versus announcers know the difference between the two. Seriously those pinstripe suits Joe Beninati wear look drawn on with chalk...does anyone in the NHL know about clothing stores other than Filene's Basement?

Two guys I'm paying close attention to tonight is Riley Cote and Daniel Carcillo. For Cote, his season is winding down, as his "skills" won't be required for a playoff run. It'll be interesting to see how he handles the last few games against the Atlantic Division, especially with some many willing combatants playing for NJ. Can Rockin' Riles turn around a mediocre fighting record in the next 3 weeks? Can he literally punch off David Clarkson's eyebrows? God I hope so. As for Carcillo, he's looked okay out there since joining the Flyers. I can't say I've been overly impressed with him, but I also think some of the calls that go against him are unjust. It also seems like the linesmen are always on his back, and he can't get anything going at all. I'd like him to contribute offensively tonight, maybe picking up a greasy assist to X while getting physical at the right times. It'll be interesting to see how he plays tonight, as he continues to play with Richie and Lups.

So if Monday hasn't been so great to you today, and you are missing the past weekend, fear not my friends. For tonight, we have hockey. We have a great match up down at the Wach. Mike Richards will be there. So will the voluptuous Chris Simpson. Hell, even the fat dancing guy will be there. Will you??? Let's Go Flyers.