Philadelphia Flyers (1-0-0) at New Jersey Devils (0-0-0)
Prudential Center – 7:00 PM EST – Newark, NJ
TV: CSN Philly HD, MSG+ 2
Radio: 610 WIP – internet stream
This is the open game thread.
Behind Enemy Lines: In Lou We Trust
Coming off of a 2-0 win to open the season last night, Ray Emery and the Philadelphia Flyers travel to North Jersey to take on the hated New Jersey Devils. The Flyers took the late flight into Newark last night, arriving in the cesspool that is North Jersey around midnight. They didn’t hold a morning skate today as they get ready to participate in opening ceremonies for the second time in as many nights.
That’s right, it’s the Devils first game of the season tonight, and it’s also the 1,000th game of goaltender Martin Brodeur‘s illustrious career. It should be a festive atmosphere at Prudential Center this evening, but as they did last night, the Flyers will try to play a strong road hockey game to ruin the party.
If the Flyers continue to take penalties at will as they did Friday evening, however, it’s going to make things difficult. Yes, the penalty killers played great last night but giving the opponent 14 minutes of power play time is unacceptable, and games won’t be won if that continues.
Hopefully, without the need to kill a million penalties, the Flyers regular four lines can get into sync. James van Riemsdyk has a ton of family headed to the game tonight, considering Newark is just a short hike from his native Middletown. His line with Claude Giroux and Darroll Powe will, if all goes according to plan, get a lot more ice time tonight. Giroux only played 10 minutes last night.
Ray Emery will start in goal for the second night in a row. Other than that, the Flyers haven’t announced the lines. It will surely be practically the same as last night, but we’re not sure whether Arron Asham or Riley Cote will be in the lineup. If one of them plays, look for Darroll Powe to take a seat. Again, we’re not sure though — the lack of a morning skate doesn’t afford us the luxury. UPDATE – The Flyers will have the same exact lineup as last night. Asham sits.
The Devils don’t have a lineup set in stone though, either. After the jump, see the possible lines each team could hit the ice with, along with a few questions to answer.
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Forwards Zach Parise – Travis Zajac – Jamie Langenbrunner Defense Scratches Goalies
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Forwards Simon Gagne – Mike Richards – Mika Pyorala
Defense Scratches Goalies |
Questions To Answer
- The energy will certainly be in the house to start the game. With the Flyers playing last night, they could be a little fatigued, so do they allow the Devils to dictate the pace at the start?
- These two teams play vastly different styles. Returning coach Jacques Lemaire is known for his defensive style, while the Flyers are obviously a very up-tempo, offensive team. In these cases, the team that forces the other team to play their style usually comes out on top. Which team is successful in doing that?
- The penalties. Make it stop?
- How’s Emery hold up on back-to-back nights?
The game is on CSN Philly in the Delaware Valley and MSG Plus 2 in the NYC Metro. Elsewhere, check that free preview of NHL Center Ice, or search the Googles. As always, stick around for the conversation right here, and LET’S GO FLYERS!
