The view from the top

With Wednesday's win against Carolina, the Flyers stand alone atop the Atlantic division, two points in front of the Rangers. The five game in eight night run proved successful for Philly, who went 3-1-1, knocking off the East Conference leader Ottawa, as well as Carolina, twice in the same week.

The win in Carolina was their 14th of the season.
Last season, it took the Flyers until February 10th to score 14 wins.. snapping a 13 game losing streak. That was 55 games into the season!

I for one, am very happy to see that successful hockey is back in Philly.

I attribute this success so far, to several things.

1.) Amazing goaltending. Martin Biron made 40 saves last night, facing 41 shots on a very mediocre-at-best ice surface.

2.) Patience on the power play. Intelligence and patience are two huge keys to scoring goals on the powerplay. You pass around enough and good things WILL happen. This is something that has been lacking for years. Finally the Flyers have a top 10 power play.

3.) Daniel Briere and Mike Richards. Both players have a stunning 30 points in 24 games. Danny has been so valuable to the team so far. He leads in assists and does so many little things right on the ice. Richards seems to have really stepped up his game between last season and the current one, leading the team in scoring with 14 goals.

4.) The penalty kill. At one point, the Flyers had killed 14 straight power players on home ice. They have registered three short handed goals, all of which Richards has scored. 2 of them were actually down 5-on-3 short handeds.

5.) The second period. The Flyers lead the league in second period goals, 36 to be exact. Opponents have only scored 25 against them in the second so far.



One thing I wouldn't mind seeing the Flyers improve upon is how they approach their game. More importantly, how they approach the first period. The flyers have been outscored by opponents 17-22 in the first period. It seems like if they can manage to get by the first with little damage, than they will win the game. 2 goals or more against in the first is almost the kiss of death for the team.

If they can come out on the ice with the same intensity they did against the Senators game in and game out, I could see a great playoff run in the future.