Thank you Joffrey

The Flyguys had a lead going into the third period tonight. Surely that translates into defeat, right? They sure looked like they were getting paid to lose leads over the last six games.

But behold, a strong third period! Joffrey Lupul netted two goals and Marty Biron stopped 34 of 35 shots in the 4-1 win tonight over the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. Can't say enough about Biron. Seems like every night this guy faces a barrage of shots from the opposition, usually in the high 20s. Sure, he'll let in some easy ones from time to time, but he's solid between the pipes for the most part and he showed it tonight. Better than Esche, that's for sure.

Saw an interesting stat from the AP report of the game. Mike Richards had an assist, tying Bobby Clarke for the team record for consecutive games with a point at home, at 16. I can't wait till this kid is the captain of the team. With him locked up through 2020, who knows how good the offense can be for years to come.

And of course, thank you Joffrey Lupul for your propensity to score multiple goals in one game. Two more tonight puts him up to 15 for the season in 35 games. He's turning into quite a playmaker for this team. Whether he's on the ice with Briere or Richards doesn't matter because he has great chemistry with either center. This was the kind of offensive production we were missing from last year.

So, the six game losing streak is snapped and the Flyers are at 17-14-4. Remarkably, we're still in the basement of this ridculously even division. We're just 5 points behind the stinkin' Devils, BUT we're also a point behind Florida for the final playoff spot. What the hell is going on? There isn't a team besides Ottawa right now that I could say will DEFINITELY make the playoffs. And it's the same way in the Western Conference.

You know the reason for this? That stupid rule that awards a point for an overtime LOSS. Worst rule in hockey. If you lose in OVERTIME, you deserve squat just like in every other sport known to man. However, if it is still tied after overtime and the game goes to a shootout and you lose the shootout, THEN you should get a point for earning what would have been a TIE in the old NHL. A little confusing, but my God, it would be better than this baloney that accomplishes nothing in seperating the best teams (6 points seperate the 2nd team and the 13th team in the East!!!!).

-ajd