Game 64: Senators at Flyers

Ottawa Senators: 36-22-6, 78 points
Philadelphia Flyers: 31-25-7, 71 points

Ray Emery v. Martin Biron (not positive on him)

After Monday's miraculous shootout win against Buffalo, the Flyers will try to build their first winning streak for the first time in a while against Ottawa at the Wachovia Center. Both of these teams are struggling now. Ottawa's dream of going wire to wire as the top team in the East has been dashed, as the New Jersey Devils have passed them in the standings. The Flyers are also fighting for playoff position, one month after being one of the hottest teams in the league.

You have to figure Martin Biron will get another start tonight. After a terrible first 15 minutes against the Sabres, Biron made a huge turnaround and kept the Flyers in the game. Maybe he's getting hot again.

Both of these teams will be dealing with some changes tonight, Ottawa's being the most drastic. This will be their first game since firing coach John Paddock, as GM Bryan Murray takes over behind the bench. The team is upset that the Sens didn't keep up their great pace and are slumping at the worst time. The goalie switching has been ridiculous, but if no one gets hot, what's the guy supposed to do?

Vinny Prospal will make his re-debut tonight. Bill Meltzer says he'll be playing on Briere's line, and I agree with his defensive concerns. The Flyers are hoping that their bolstered lineup will help them regain some momentum and keep them afloat until guys like Lupul, Richards and Hatcher get back. The Flyers managed to hang with the Senators until losing to them in a shootout last meeting, despite the Flyers being in a huge tailspin at the time.

The scratches are listed in the link a few lines up.

Jesse Boulerice
Stefan Ruzicka
Jaroslav Modry
Dennis Tolpeko
Mike Richards
Joffrey Lupul
Simon Gagne
Derian Hatcher
Mike Rathje