March 15, 2008 Flyers V Bruins

At this time of the year the name of the game is making the playoff. Remember when, just a short time ago, the Flyers were challenging for 1st place in the Eastern conference? Then a 10 game losing streak, a few wins, and more overtime and shootout losses. How can it be possible for a professional hockey team to be so lackadaisical in their own zone? Their team defense is awful. At this level there is no reason to not be able to chip the puck out of the zone or a breakout that actually involves passing instead of just clearing the puck up center ice.

Todays game against the Bruins was a game that the Flyers should have won. They came back from yet another 1-0 deficit to be ahead 2-1 with 24 seconds left in the game. At which point poor coverage and bounces off of their own players led to the tying goal. In overtime they had some glorious opportunities to win and didn't bear down. Instead Biron let in another weak goal by Aaron Ward (remember him from earlier this year winning a game in overtime?)

Biron's play is baffling. He is either stellar or just ordinary with a penchant to let in soft goals. I have always said that what a team wants out of its goaltender is to stop all of the routine shots and make a few saves on those that would be considered great saves. When Biron handles his rebounds, he's on his game. When he doesn't, watch out. Couple that with letting in soft goals and you're number 1 goalie situation is an issue again.

Maybe they'll be able to pull something out of their hat against the Pens on Sunday. Yeah right.