As far as concepts go, I actually kind of like this one.

 

 

 Flyers @ Cats, 7:30pm, BankAtlantic Center, FSN-FL

 

Panthers: 21-17-8  50P, 3rd in SE    Flyers: 25-12-9 59P, 3rd in ATL

LAST 10:    FLA: 5-2-3    PHI: 6-2-2

HOME & AWAY:   FLA (H): 10-6-5    PHI (A): 10-7-6

SEASON SERIES: Game 2 of 4

ALL-TIME: 35-20-7 PHI

 

 

 And away we go, as the (unofficial) start of the second half begins tonight.  

 

AT THE ENDS

 

My stick. My NHL.

 

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Ditching conventional wisdom (read: Panther-killer Antero Niittymaki), Philly coach John Stevens will employ Martin Biron against the Cats. Biron has lost his last two, allowing four goals in each.

 

My save. My NHL.

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T-Vo heads into tonight's match 4-1-2 in his past seven, giving up more than three goals only once in that span.

 

 

 Showing the seriousness that is their well-known trademark, Flyer faithful eagerly await the return of their club.

 

BATTERED AND BRUISED

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Hatcher's quite probably done...forever. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren: 

"I'm not very confident Derian has much of a chance of playing. He thinks it's a real long shot."

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Expect The Beach's return tonight, as well as Peltonen.

 

 

Florida may have another Craig Anderson in the lineup.

 

 

DIVISIONALLY SPEAKING

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 TONIGHT IN THE SOUTHEAST

Everyone's in the sandbox this evening, so get prepped for a lot of squinty-eyed scoreboard watching.

• Washington @ Boston, 7p. The amazing Caps' season has been nothing less than spectacular...until the Broons' 10-point lead in the standings is factored.
• Carolina @ NY Rangers, 7p. Ranger fans will hear some telekinetic cheering from waaay down south tonight, as the Hurricanes look to hit 51 points.
• Montreal @ Tampa Bay, 7:30p. The suddenly-alive Bolts host a very motivated Habs squad.
• Atlanta @ Dallas, 8:30p. A matchup of recently underwhelming teams collide in Big D. Here's a stretch: Stars win.

THE CHASE FOR EIGHTH...AND BEYOND

Pittsburgh is the only other real competion within the conference outside of Buffalo, remaining tied with Florida at 50 points. The Pens return to the ice tomorrow, hosting the Rangers.

•  Buffalo @ Edmonton, 9p. The Oil seeks to keep an no-again, off-again Sabres team from gaining two in the East.

 

 LITTER BOX LINERS

• Sun-Sentinel: Peltonen to play, Season's second half prime time for Vokoun, Cats midseason report
• Miami Herald: Panthers back to work, blog: Only in Sunrise
• Palm Beach Bandwagon: Lots of shots and a defense that loves 'em
• Boward New Times:  Will Panthers Star Stay? Only Bo' Knows
• Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers can't relax after break
• Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers regroup
• Camden Courier-Post:  Flyers task "daunting"
• AP via NHL.com: game preview
• AccuScore projection via The Sporting News
• The Spread: game preview
• Panthers website
• Flyers website

 

THE FAR REACHES OF THE BLOGOSPHERE

• Cat Scratch (FLA)
• Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)
• Eager to go Psycho (PHI)
• Flyers Fan Central (PHI)
• The Flyer Frequent (PHI)
• Flying "P" (PHI)
• Broad Street Bull (PHI)

 

THE WARMUP

 

 Richard Zednik takes exception to Scott Hartnell's defensive tactics in Philly, January 16, 2008.