32 Points

32 points are what seperate the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres, a team that just ended a 10 game losing streak. 32 points are what seperated last year's Presidents' Trophy winner and a team on the outside looking in come playoff time. 32 points are what seperate last year's embarrassing Flyers team at the All Star Break and this year's division leaders.

I don't think anyone envisioned this kind of turnaround. The Flyers were definitely a popular pick to make the playoffs, but not many had them pegged to win the division. That honor often times went to the free agent winning Rangers, who are currently bringing up the rear in the Atlantic and the only team in the division not currently in the top 8 playoff positions in the East. Many also picked the Penguins; they have the league's best player and were scorching hot last season until Ottawa ended their magic. They were playing good hockey as of late, but they could struggle without Crosby.

Obviously there's still a lot of season left and a lot of games to win, but the Flyers are in good position. They're tied in points with the Devils after their loss to Montreal tonight and also have a game in hand over New Jersey. They're also 9-6-1 against the division, with five of those losses coming to one team, so they're beating the teams they need to beat, with the one big exception.

Tonight was a big win. You want that momentum going into the break and hope it carries over into the second half. Pittsburgh was also playing for first tonight, and it's good to beat your rival. They showed more heart tonight. They got up early again, but instead of allowing their play to drop off after giving up tying goals, they bounced back. It was a physical game, and there aren't many teams that can win physical games against the Flyers.

I'm not going to comment on the hit until I've seen it, but if it's as bad as I've heard it is, hopefully Laraque gets what he deserves.