Things couldn't have worked out any better for the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, March 29. The team crushed the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-1 and earned two key points in the standings. Not only that, but they were able to win the game with an offensive explosion while Ilya Bryzgalov got some much needed rest. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost again and the Flyers are in position to steal home ice advantage in the first round. Overall, it is hard to ask for a better day. Here are a few reasons why the team should be happy.
The offense woke up
Despite winning the majority of their games in the past month, the Flyers have struggled offensively. However, there was no evidence of that in Toronto. The Flyers exploded for seven goals in the game. They were consistent as well, scoring at least two goals in each of the three periods. Surprisingly, the team did this without goals from Scott Hartnell, Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, or Jaromir Jagr. That shows how deep the Flyers really go.
Both goalies were winners
Sergei Bobrovsky was sharp in net and finally got the action he needed. Bobrovsky needs to be fresh just in case he is called upon in the playoffs. It is nice to see him step in and play well. Meanwhile, Bryzgalov got a night off that he really needed. The chip fracture in his foot shouldn't be too serious but a break was important regardless. Winning a game with your backup goalie is definitely a good thing.
The division race is open
Catching the New York Rangers is going to require that team to lose nearly all of their remaining games. It is possible but not something that the Flyers should count on right now. However, catching the Penguins is within reach. Pittsburgh is currently two points ahead of the Flyers and both teams have five games remaining. This is a huge battle to determine which team has home ice advantage in the first round. The Flyers control their own destiny since they have two games remaining against their in-state rivals. Coming off of back-to-back losses to the New York Islanders, the Penguins have given up a lot of momentum to the Flyers. Now Philadelphia needs to capitalize.
* - Mark Paul is a Philadelphia resident and lifelong Flyers fan.
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