It seems like every season, no matter how well the Flyers play, they can never get past the New Jersey Devils. Last night, not only did the Flyers get past the Devils, but they spoiled Martin Brodeur's 1,000 career game and their season opener with a 5-2 win.
It's only been two games, but Ray Emery has been lights out so far. He shut the Devils out until the last ten minutes of the third period, and by then the game was out of reach. The defense and penalty killing was awesome again, too. The Flyers stopped the Devils twice on two man advantages, including one full two minute, two man advantage where the Devils only got one shot on goal. Though the Devils would finally score on a power play goal, that defense has been great so far for the Flyers.
Jeff Carter lit the lamp first for Philadelphia, and he would be followed by Ian Laperriere, Mike Richards, Darroll Powe and Matt Carle, giving the Flyers goals from all four of their lines last night, which is something that I hope continues throughout the season. The Flyers need balanced play from each one of their lines if they're going to be one of the top teams in the NHL this season. It's just something that has to happen. So far, they're getting that balanced play, and James vanRiemsdyk has been just as advertised, with three assists in his first two games this year. Nice job, kid.
Oh, it's always fun to beat the Devils, but it's even more fun when it's New Jersey's home opener and the Flyers look like a top tier NHL team at the same time. The defense was solid again, Ray Emery has been everything that the Flyers could have hoped for and then some and the offense has been excellent and balanced so far this year. Yes, it's only two games in, but the Flyers are notorious slow starters. A good showing like this early in the season can only be a good thing for the guys in orange and black. The Flyers have the next two days off before hosting Washington in their home opener on Tuesday, and that's going to be another good test.
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