The Flyers and Jeff Hackett got off to an impressive start to the 2003-2004 season by shutting the Buffalo Sabres out, 2-0.
On the stat sheet it was Hackett with the shutout, but this was a clinic on defensive hockey as the Flyers allowed 17 shots on goal, with perhaps 2 of them being of any quality.
Also impressive was the play of rookie Joni Pitkanen who notched his first NHL point on a power play goal by Mark Recchi. After the game Coach Hitchcock marvelled at the youngster's poise, comparing him to NHL great, Mark Howe.
My views on the game, and the home opener:
:toothless Team defense. With an infusion of youth on the blueline I was curious to see how they would work within Hitch's system. It worked to perfection.
:toothless Breaking out of the zone. It's amazing what speed on D can do. The Flyers were flying out of their zone, making smart passes, and not turning the puck over.
:toothless Kudos to JR and Brash for drawing two Sabres into penalties. On the first, Roenick let Drury shake him like a rag doll to the ice. Later, on a delayed call Brashear was confronted and he dropped the right shoulder as if he was going to fight, but never dropped the mitts. The Sabre dropped 'em grabbed Brash and ended up in the box.
:toothless POWER PLAY! They had 2 goals, but more importantly it looked much more effective.
Tony Amonte. 2 open nets. 5 chances. 0 goals.
:toothless The Flyers "ice girls". Yup, the Flyers have half naked chicks running around the stadium. Tonight they were handing out towels & calendar magnets.
:toothless Snakebit. Two crossbars. One by Williams, the other by Brashear.
Bring on the Pens.
vCash:
18350
Flyers Shutout Buffalo, 2-0 
Points: 2- 173
Linear Mode
