[Chris]

We saw just about everything in tonight's rematch between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Many players have come and gone for both teams since the Flyers overtime victory in the conference semi-finals last season, and the outcome reflected that.

The Flyers lacked a bounce in their step, an energetic performance that we saw in the win against New Jersey last week. They surely didn't have it tonight, and were missing it in the season opener against the Rangers. It showed tonight, the orange and black were able to come back from two deficits, but were completely dominated in the third period, the difference in tonight's game. That "bounce" loss can be attributed to the 4-day layoff this early in the season. It's frustrating for us to watch, but I believe this team is still looking for it's identity.

Darcy Tucker scored a goal tonight merely a shift following what seemed to a somewhat-serious injury, but it was just another of his gametime acts. Brashear was called on that play for a high-sticking penalty, which was clearly ambelished by Tucker. Again, it's nothing new, we've seen it for years, you'd think the referees would begin to catch on?

Mike Knuble and Simon Gagne scored the equalizers in the first and second period respectively, but it was not enough, in the 4-2 loss.

Robert Esche completed his second shaky start in as many attempts tonight, hopefully he can get back into the groove as soon as possible, and he can begin playing the way we know that he can.

The Flyers will next take on the division rival Pittsburgh Penquins this Friday. (Thanks Jeff)

[Jlg-28]

they play so so in the 1st , great in the 2nd , and the everythng fell apart in the 3rd , this team needs to score on its power play chances and mprove its penalty kill if they expect ot be a top team . It;s not time to jump off any bridges yet . hopefully they can bonce back next game which is againts the Penguins on Firday nite Chris

[TonyFatt]

At least the Forsberg-Gagne line looked pretty good. Esche needs an easy game to get back into his old ways. We can't switch to Nittymaki yet.

[sekkes85]

another bad game for esche. most of the goals werent even his fault though, it sucks that we keep on getting ****ted on by crap goals. the flyers will be fine though, we have a solid team that will start to work together as a team. presently the only thing i am concerned about is our powerplay. watching them is making me sick, so many opportunities and so little results.......

[Drew]

Not so pleased with several things. Namely their lackluster powerplay and Esche letting reasonably-easy shots in. I know the 4-day break probably hurt them, but still, this was a Toronto team that busted it's ass the night before against the Sens and lost. I expect a lot better from this team.