Flyers vs Panthers Preview

After an impressive win against the Devils on Sunday, the Flyers continue their current homestand against the Florida Panthers tonight. The Flyers have been living off a hot power play, solid defense, and stellar goaltending during their three game winning streak. The power play went 3 for 3 against the Devils, so it will be important to keep the confidence going as they near the playoffs.

The Panthers are in the midst of a three game losing streak (and a miserable 2-5-3 in their last 10) and are on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. Currently sitting at the 9th seed and two points behind the Canadiens, the Panthers cannot afford to keep losing. The Panthers have a sub-.500 record on the road, so the Flyers will have to take care of home ice advantage.

Two players that have played key roles in the team's recent success are Danny Briere and Claude Giroux. Briere's skill has ignited the power play and gives the Flyers major options between their top two units. Before Briere was healthy, the second unit would often not have a natural playmaker on it, making it more difficult for snipers like Joffrey Lupul and Jeff Carter to get good scoring chances. But with the emergence of Briere, the first unit can now keep Richards on the point, put Giroux up front and have Briere available for second unit duty with Jeff Carter. Or really, Stevens can switch Briere and Giroux however he wants.

Claude Giroux has taken over as the center between Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble and has been fantastic in that role. He just flat out makes things happen. His pass on Gagne's goal on Sunday was spectacular. Whenever he touches the puck, no matter where he is, his linemates can expect a pass from him. And its typically a pass right on the tape. I can now see how Giroux scored 51 points in 17 playoff games for Gatineau last season. But what makes Giroux even more special is that he's developed into a multidimensional player. He's been getting consistent time on the penalty kill and has done a good job of it. And the most surprising part about him is that he's got quite the physical edge. He has no problem with taking the body. Giroux is definitely a player you want to watch tonight.

Marty Biron will again be starting in net for the Flyers. He will most likely be opposed by Tomas Vokoun, although that's still up in the air. Vokoun is only 1-4-3 in his last 8 starts, so it will be important for the Flyers to pot one or two goals early on to keep him from gaining an confidence.