Flyers Look to Keep Winning Streak Alive

The Philadelphia Flyers (4-6, 8 pts) will host Florida Panthers (3-5-1, 7 pts) tonight in their second of 3 meetings this season. The Flyers got the better of the Panthers in their first meeting exploding for 7 goals. Matt Read notched his first career NHL hat trick and 11 different Flyers registered at least 1 points. The 7-1 victory over the Panthers on January 26th was the Flyers best offensive game of this short season so far.

Despite that offensive onslaught, the Flyers are having trouble scoring some goals. Philadelphia has only scored more than 2 goals in a single game twice this season (the 7-1 W over Florida and a 5-3 W over Carolina) out of the 10 games they've played so far. But they are starting to find ways to win.

The Flyers have won back to back games for the second time this season and will look to gain a 3 game winning streak for the first time all year. Philadelphia is coming off two strong victories this week with a 5-3 win over Carolina and a 2-1 edge over Tampa Bay. The Lightning came into that game the highest scoring offense in the NHL, averaging almost 5 goals per game, but the Flyers were able to shut them down.

Ilya Bryzgalov (4-5) was a huge factor in both games and has played well all season. Bryzgalov, who most likely will get the start tonight, has a .923 save percentage and a 2.24 GAA. Jose Theodore (3-4, 3.33 GAA) will likely get the start opposite Bryzgalov.

After losing 5 straight games, the Florida Panthers have played much better hockey of late, winning 2 of their last 3 contests, while their one loss came in overtime. And they have scored 12 goals in those last 3 games. The are being lead by forward Tomas Fleischmann who has 3 goals and a team high 8 points, and scoring defenseman Brian Campbell, who is leading the team with 4 goals and has 7 points.

Injury Update:
Wayne Simmonds, who suffered a concussion on February 1st, skated with the team for the first time yesterday. Simmonds wore a 'no contact' jersey, but said after the practice, "I felt pretty good today, I think everything went well, so we'll have to see what happens." And when asked if he felt any aftereffects bothering him, he quickly answered, "No, nothing, I feel pretty good today." He also pointed out the he has been headache free all week. 
Simmonds remains doubtful for tonight's game but could possibly suit up on Saturday if his progression continues.
Watch Wayne Simmonds' full interview: HERE

Drop the Puck:
The Flyers will host the Panthers tonight at 7 PM.