A Weekend Recap

First off, I'd like to apologize for the lack of.. anything... around here this weekend. I was in Connecticut and I forgot my laptop charger, so internet time was at a premium all weekend.

But, it's Monday and we're back on the grind, so let's take a look back at the weekend that was.

Biron's gaffe costs Flyers in loss to Penguins

Two days removed from it, I'm sure we've all seen it. Martin Biron inexplicably comes out of his net, can't control the puck, it finds it's way to - who else - Sidney Crosby, who pokes it by Matt Carle and into the empty net.

The Flyers had just stormed back from a 3-1 deficit at the start of the third period, and after falling 4-3, a Mike Knuble goal tied it once again with about five minutes remaining. It looked like the game was destined for overtime or a shootout, when Pittsburgh took the lead for good.

It wasn't all bad though. Mike Richards became the first player to score shorthanded goals in three straight games since Joe Sakic in 1998. The crowd, just eight short of 20,000, was the largest regular season crowd in the history of the Wachovia Center.

Here are the questions with answers from the game preview.

1. The Flyers have done a great job of shutting Sidney Crosby down this season. Can they do it this afternoon? They have done a great job all season of shutting down the top two Penguins, but they failed miserably at it on Saturday. Crosby had two goals and two assists while Malkin had a goal and an assist.
   
2. Can Marty keep up his good play but avoid giving up the weak games? The answer to this question was the story of the game... no.
   
3. Back on January 13th, the Flyers looked lifeless against the Pens. Can they match Pittsburgh's intensity today? I thought the Flyers matched Pittsburgh's intensity, but a little bit of luck and the one bad play by Marty allowed the Pens to get the victory.
   
4. Godard-Cote rematch? Yeah, but it was kind of boring. Video here.

Carnival a success as always

The annual Flyers Wives Fight for Lives Carnival took place at the Center on Sunday, and it was, of course, another success. According to 6abc.com, the Carnival raised $21 million dollars this season, however according to the Flyers, that number is the all-time fundraising of the Carnival. Check your facts, channel six. Either way, though, the Carnival is always a lot of fun and it was another great afternoon yesterday. If you were at the event on Sunday, email your photos and we'll put them up here at Broad Street Hockey.

The week ahead...

The Flyers travel to Washington tomorrow to take on the Capitals in what looms as a huge night on the schedule. It should if Biron's mistake on Saturday causes John Stevens to make a switch in goal. Antero Niittymaki's unbelieveable 48 save effort against Washington back on December 20th may force Stevens' hand as well.

After the jump it's today's edition of Broad Street Bits.

• Ed Moran of the Daily News doesn't think the Flyers need Jay Bouwmeester. 
• Bob Ford of the Inquirer has more on the trade deadline. He says the Flyers are content to stay still. 
• The Burlington County Times has more on the JVR for Lehtonen crap.

• Just scroll halfway down to where it says "Old job, new job" and prepare to laugh your ass off.
• Crosby versus Ovechkin is officially a rivalry, according to the Canadian Press.

• Barry Melrose Rocks posts a picture that should have us all embarrassed. 
• In Lou We Trust talks Brodeur.
• There was a really classy showing by the Toronto fans as Mats Sundin returned to the Air Canada Centre for the first time since signing with Vancouver.
• Lighthouse Hockey looks at the Islanders trade of Chris Campoli.
• Puck Daddy chronicles Crosby's visit to Ovechkin-land on Sunday.
  
• Ryan Miller is hurt. What do the Sabres do?
• The Islanders beat the Devils... 4-0? What the hell?
• The Lightning beat the Bruins? What the hell?!?!