Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek each scored tonight to win their first game of the season, a 2-1 nail-biter over the New York Rangers Thursday night, thereby helping the Flyers avoid their first 0-4 start in team history. This is a big stunner, since the Rangers beat the Flyers all six games last season, including the Winter Classic. However, the Rangers have struggled this season and now sit with the Flyers in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 1-3 record.
This certainly is good news for the Flyers after they found out Scott Hartnell will be out between 4-8 weeks because of a broken left foot as well as forward Brayden Schenn serving a one-game suspension for charging Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov. Danny Briere was also out with a broken left wrist.
But the Flyers did enough to beat back Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers. Taylor Pyatt was the only goal for the Rangers, who already have problems scoring goals, aside from the lone game last night in which Marian Gaborik had a hat trick against the Bruins. Good news needs to come and a visit from the Maple Leafs should help that. But then the schedule gets tough with both Pennsylvania teams coming to town.
But congratulations to the Flyers, who needed a spark of a win in order to get things back on track. It won't be easy, though. A Florida swing comes next with weekend games at Florida and at Tampa Bay, which won't be easy games. The Flyers could also be signing Mike Knuble by the end of the week, which would help bloster somewhat of a struggling offense. GM Paul Holmgren has stated that Briere is 50-50 on being available. But for now, the Flyers faithful can be proud that their team has finally got their first win. The road is tough ahead and the Flyers can go into it feeling up and proud about beating the team from Manhatten. Now Florida awaits.
No comments:
Post a Comment