Down in DC. Gameday preview: Flyers visit Capitals

Wanna know where the Flyers really stand as a team right now? Sit down and grab yourselves a nice cold beer tomorrow afternoon and turn your TV sets to the game at 3PM.

It’s been quite some time since the Flyers have faced an opponent of worth and even though they were manhandled by the Maple Leafs on Thursday night, the Flyers 8-2-1 stretch after an abysmal early winter has shown signs of both the negative and positive. The Flyers have played sloppy against bad teams, but managed to find the back of the net enough to bury them into their graves. Thursday was subject for concern, though. The Flyers looked sloppy again, but this time they couldn’t find the back of the net against the lowly Leafs.

The last time these two teams met, the Flyers were pounded by the Caps 8-2 in front of the Philadelphia crowd. I can’t see the Flyers coming out flat for this game. They just can’t. The Capitals won’t roll over for us, though. They’ve won 6 of their last 10, and two in a row. Alex Ovechkin scored a remarkable five points against the Maple Leafs – continuing to show why many believe he’s the greatest player in the world. The Flyers usually do a good job shutting him down.

Personally, I expect/hope to see Michael Leighton in the net for the Flyers, but Peter Laviolette has yet to announce the Flyers starter. He has mentioned that it will be a game time decision.

Three Keys To Victory:

• Score First – The Flyers record when scoring first shows why they’re a lethal team when scoring the game’s first tally. If the Flyers can get on the board against the Caps early and create momentum in their favor, it could be the turning point of the game. Needs to be early.
• Avoid odd-man rushes – The Maple Leafs tore the Flyers apart on odd-man rushes during Thursday nights game. The Flyers need to limit their turnovers and be sure to play their points in the offensive zone with some sense of intelligence. This means Chris Pronger cannot pinch to the goal line while the entire team watches.
• Agressive forchecking and hard skating – It’s no secret that the Capitals are a fast team. The only way to beat them is to stick with them and out work them. Physical play will wear the Caps down, and we’re plenty capable of playing recklessly. Get on their bodies early and don’t stop the feet movement. Make them work harder than you, Flyers.

One last note: Scott Hartnell and Darroll Powe are both expected to suit up for Sunday’s game.

Update 1:50PM – Ray Emery will get the start in net today for the Flyers.

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