[Chris]

We waited sixteen months for this?

The Philadelphia Flyers returned to the ice tonight for the first time since losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Wachovia Center atmosphere was electric, hockey fans across the country were on the edge of their seats as the puck was finally dropped after months, and months of frustrating labor talks.

The New York Rangers, however, drew first blood in the season opener. Jason Strudwick beat Robert Esche to give New York a 1-0 advantage 9:31 into the first period. Simon Gagne responded with an assist from one of the newest additions, Peter Forsberg's pass which tied the game at 1-1 just about midway through the first. The Flyers next goal came on the powerplay, Mike Knuble recieved assists from Peter Forsberg and Eric Desjardins on a goal with about six minutes remaining in the first period. The Flyers led 2-1 after the first 20 minutes.

Mike Richards then scored at 4:28 of the second period in what Flyers fans hoped would be the goal to put the lead out of reach for New York. However, the Rangers came right back at 8:06 with Jamie Lundmark's unassisted goal which would cap scoring in the second frame.

Jaromir Jagr then scored two unanswered goals at 6:28 and 11:26 to tie the game at 3-3. Marcel Hossa added to the scoresheet just 33 seconds later with his first of the season. The Flyers then played out the remainder of the third period with missed passes, botched scoring oppurtunites. Overall, the Flyers looked off their game in the final frame of tonight's opener.

News & Notes
Darian Hatcher (Suspension), and Patrick Sharp (Healthy) were both scratched for tonight's game.

New York's Mike Nylander did not convert on the season's first penalty shot in the second period of tonight's game.

The Key Stat
The Flyers went 1-for-10 on the powerplay tonight.

My Take On Tonight's Game
It's great to have hockey back on the ice again, but tonight's performance wasn't exactly what I expected out of the orange and black. The team's energy wasn't as high as what I had thought it would be tonight, especially in the third period, they looked like they were new to playing the game. Tonight's 1-for-10 powerplay stat didn't help things much. This team has the potential to win the Stanley Cup, they just need to learn how to adjust to things as the game progresses, something that I didn't see much at all tonight. Don't fret, it's only one game, but it would have been nice to celebrate the launch of this beautiful site with a win.

[Jlg-28]

you hit the nail on the head, it seems like we watched two different teams tonite, they played well in the 1st two periods. but it was like they forgot what they were doing and how to play the game in the 3rd , hopfully we wont see this kind of performance again this season , and it is only one game in a long season.

[Andy]

I knew this was going to happen.

Our American game has been turned into Euro *****man crap.

No "Grabbing"? Um. Sorry, last time I checked, this wasn't soccer. Something needs to be done. The refs are going to have to lighten up a little bit.

I thought the Flyers played outstanding for the first half of the game, and whatever happened after that well.....let's not have that again.

We'll come back from this boys, don't worry. Our guys are still learning to play with each other. It'll be an interesting year, we hafta keep our heads up, and look past this loss.

[eleven24]

Originally posted by Andy
I knew this was going to happen.
No "Grabbing"? Um. Sorry, last time I checked, this wasn't soccer. Something needs to be done. The refs are going to have to lighten up a little bit.

LOL - I wouldn't worry about the holding calls. In the long run it will benefit the more talented teams, which the Flyers are. Personally, I thought the new look NHL was terrific (well, except when the Flyers died in the 2nd half of the game). There were good, hard hits. Wide open play through the neutral zone, and.... SCORING!!!!

Welcome back, 1987!


Ummm... I think I just dated myself.

[tmcc]

I thinked they chilled out after the 3-1 lead, even at the 3-2 lead. Probably though, 'Hey these are the Rangers, they can't beat us'

Wrong.