Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Suddenly slumping, the
Philadelphia Flyers try to put the brakes on a two-game losing streak tonight when they welcome the
Florida Panthers to the First Union Center.
Since going on a six-game winning tear, Philly has fallen to New Jersey and Washington, and scored a mere one goal between the two contests. On Saturday in DC, Ken Hitchcock's crew dropped a 4-1 decision to the Capitals, who erupted with a four-spot in the second period.
Mark Recchi's goal with 1:59 left in the game was the lone source of offense for Philadelphia, which had scored an average of 3.66 goals-per-game before the current skid. Roman Cechmanek took the loss in net, allowing three tallies on 13 shots before being relieved by backup Robert Esche 6:42 into the second. Esche stopped 12-of-13 shots the rest of the way.
Philadelphia went 0-for-5 on the power play and hasn't converted its last 15 man-advantage opportunities.
The Flyers, 5-1-1 on home ice, will visit Carolina on Friday.
Florida, meanwhile, will kick off a brief road trip tonight and is 2-0-1-1 in its last four outings. On Monday the Panthers skated to a 2-2 tie with Chicago in Sunrise, as rookie defenseman Jay Bouwmeester tied the game with a power- play goal midway through the third period. It was the first NHL goal for Bouwmeester, who was selected third-overall in this past June's Entry Draft.
Phil Housley appeared to give the Blackhawks the victory in overtime, but the goal was nullified because Chicago had a skater in the crease.
Goaltender Jani Hurme made 32 saves and continued to hold down the fort for the injured Roberto Luongo. Hurme has started the last three games while Luongo has nursed a sore back, and allowed just four goals in that time. The latter player made the trip to Philly, but is questionable for this evening's match.
Florida, 3-4-0-1 on hostile ice, will visit Ottawa on Thursday.
The Flyers went 3-0-1 against the Cats last season, and are 7-1-1 in the last nine meetings overall. Florida is 1-4-2 in its last seven trips to the First Union Center.
