Today's open discussion thread, complete with your daily dose of Philadelphia Flyers news...

• Mark Howe is getting his number #2 retired tonight: [The Checking Line] [Bill Meltzer] [Daily News]
• From Frank Seravalli: "It was the second time this season alone the Flyers have gone unpenalized, the only season since 1997-98 that they've done it twice." [Daily News]

• What's your level of interest in a story full of cliches and landmines? Ilya Bryzgalov is playing better, so the answer much be in cliches. But Danny Briere says it's because he's a "better teammate". Careful or you'll blow yourself into a tree: [CSNPhilly]

• It's not just Bryz who deserves credit for improved performance. The team's defense and discipline are a factor as well: [delcotimes]
• Speaking of Bryz, enjoy a rap on the philosopher: [the700level]
• The Eastern Conference is so bad, the Sabres and Lightning may somehow make the playoffs: [SBNation.com]
• Week 20 Power Rankings has two new teams atop their Conferences: [SB Nation Philly]
• The Bruins signed Marty Turco after losing Tuukka Rask. Turco has to clear waivers like Nabokov did last year: [Boston Bruins]
• Believe it or not, ESPN covered less hockey this week than golf. Again: [Deadspin]
• Without a goalie, a scratched forward was forced to play goal in the OHL. It went horribly: [Backhand Shelf]
• Looking further into the differences between Brian Burke and Peter Chiarelli in the debate over "Moneypuck": [Backhand Shelf]
• A team's record when scoring three or more goals has serious flaws: [Arctic Ice Hockey]