Image courtesy of Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images

Atlantic Watch: Flyers’ long break, Penguins extend lengthy winning streak, Rangers grab eighth place, Brodeur returns

The Philadelphia Flyers didn’t help their case to make the 2013 postseason this week, as they only earned two points over three games. To make matters worse, the Orange and Black will endure a five-day break to let the other teams in the Eastern Conference catch up with them in games played. After their lengthy break, the Flyers play a game in Pittsburgh before starting a five-game homestand against another Atlantic Division club fighting to make the playoffs. The Flyers’ week started with a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on Wednesday. In the first game …

Image courtesy of Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images

Stamkos and Lindback help Bolts edge Flyers in Tampa Bay

The Philadelphia Flyers lost another pivotal game tonight in Tampa Bay, as the Lightning handed the visitors a 4-2 loss. Teddy Purcell deposited the game-winner halfway through the third period, while Steven Stamkos recorded his 200th goal in the NHL in a two-point effort. Max Talbot and Claude Giroux were the only Flyers to beat Anders Lindback, as Tampa Bay’s goaltender made 28 stops for the victory. With the tilt tied at two midway through the third period, Purcell tipped home his sixth of 2013 to hand the Lightning two points tonight in Tampa Bay. Stamkos managed to grab a …

KimmoDBS

Deep Blue Line

KIMMO TIMONEN skates back and forth at the Flyers Skate Zone during practice. He is addressing his teammates before his 1,000th game.   KIMMO I know it’s been a difficult year. We haven’t played at our highest level. The Flyers nod solemnly in agreement.   KIMMO It’s my 1,000th game tonight. Zac Rinaldo can’t even count that high. ZAC RINALDO lights up smiling upon hearing his name.   RINALDO It’s true!   KIMMO It’s time to put all of our issues behind us. Jaromir Jagr and his magnificent smile aren’t walking through that door. CLAUDE GIROUX chimes in at the …

Talbot

Shootout? Shootout! Flyers Beat Devils 2-1.

Matt Read and Claude Giroux both scored in the shootout to lead the Flyers to a 2-1 shootout victory and a 2-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Max Talbot scored for the Flyers reversed a downward trend versus the Devils beating New Jersey for the first time in the last eight games over the last two seasons. The Flyers have now won two of the last three games. Ilya Bryzgalov was outstanding for the Flyers, stopping 27 of the 28 shots he faced. Bryzgalov was also stellar in the shootout, turning away 2 of 3 Devil attempts. David Clarkson …

Ilya Bryzgalov lays face down on the ice after making a save against the Boston Bruins during the game on March 9, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts - Image Courtesy of Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America

Crashing the Crease: Ilya Bryzgalov Cannot Succeed in Philadelphia

This week’s Crashing the Crease comes to you with a somber tone, as the Flyers’ season appears primed to crash and burn. Some of the same wretched storylines we’re so used to being beaten over the head with are creeping into view: “Should [insert Flyers coach] be worried about his job? Who should the Flyers next goalie be? What major move will the Flyers make to fix this?” Part of the issue, in my mind, is this overly reactive approach from the top down. Don’t get me wrong — I love and respect what Ed Snider did for the city …