Game 69: Islanders at Flyers

New York Islanders: 32-30-7, 71 points
Philadelphia Flyers: 34-26-8, 76 points

Rick DiPietro v. Martin Biron

One week after the Flyers won 4-1 on the Island, these two teams will get back at it, this time in Philadelphia. The Flyers are still hanging onto the 8 seed, while the Islanders are chasing at just 5 points behind. They are one of five teams within six points of the final playoff spot, so competition will be fierce coming down this home stretch.

Rick DiPietro v. Martin Biron

Martin Biron will get another start tonight after again being solid against Tampa on Thursday. He's going to be the guy in the playoffs, so he better get used to playing a lot.

It's important for the Flyers to put a lot of pressure on the Islanders early. DiPietro hasn't played since last Saturday against the Flyers due to a death in the family and Ted Nolan's decision in their last game. He's practiced recently, but he could still be rusty. If they can get to him early, they might be able to score some goals before he gets back into the flow of the game.

The Flyers are 3-1-1 in the last 5 games after ending the terrible losing streak. They're three points ahead of the 9th seed, so they're starting to build some breathing room and even potentially catch the Bruins or Rangers. This resurgence can almost directly be attributed to Jeff Carter, who has 4 goals, 1 assist and 1 shootout goal during that span. He's not just scoring, he's taking over games. He's winning battles, getting a ton of ice time and carrying the team. The game winner against Tampa was incredible. It reminded me a lot of that Buffalo playoff series where Peter Forsberg skated around in a giant circle until he found Desjardins wide open.

Bill Melzter has scratches. Derian Hatcher is expected back tonight.