Scott Hartnell
Scott Hartnell's third power-play goal snapped a tie, completed his second New York hat trick of the month, and carried the Philadelphia Flyers to a 5-3 comeback win over the Islanders on Saturday night.
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Daniel Briere scored twice and Kimmo Timonen had a goal and two assists as the Philadelphia Flyers held off Florida 5-3 on Wednesday night, denying Panthers coach Jacques Martin his 500th win.
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Mike Knuble had his first two-goal game of the season, and the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Washington Capitals 6-4 Sunday for their seventh win in nine games.
Team Report
as of Thursday, January 17, 2008 3:06 PM.
(Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Flyers were thoroughly embarrassed by last season's debacle, but the 2007-08 campaign has been all about redemption.
The Flyers had the worst season in franchise history a year ago, as they set numerous records for futility including, the lowest point total (56 pts.) in club history.
However, this year has been very different as Philadelphia will almost certainly surpass that dismal point total before the All-Star break. The Flyers have 53 points through their first 44 games of the season and are just two points behind New Jersey and Pittsburgh for the Atlantic Division lead.
Philadelphia has been especially good in recent weeks, as the club has won eight of its last 10 games to get back in the division race.
Fans in Philadelphia are dying to get back to the postseason, but making the playoffs is not a must for a team that is just one year removed from having the worst record in the NHL. The Flyers have an excellent chance at making the playoffs, but that is not a requirement to consider this season a success.
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren has made several essential deals to turn things around since taking over the job from Bob Clarke early last season. However, the biggest contributor for Philly this season has come up through the organization's farm system.
Mike Richards was drafted in the first round of the 2003 draft, but the centerman was somewhat of a disappointment offensively in his first two seasons with the club. This year has been anything, but disappointing for Richards as he is leading the club in goals (20) and assists (30), plus-minus (plus-12) and is headed to his first All-Star Game.
Richards is an assistant captain at just 22 years of age and it is almost certain that he will take over the 'C' in the near future, as Philadelphia signed him to a 12-year, $69 million dollar deal earlier this season.
The versatility that Richards has displayed is one reason he is also leading all Flyers forwards in ice time with an average of 21 minutes and 51 seconds per game. Richards is a penalty killer as well as an asset on Philly's power play.
Speaking of the power play, the Flyers have been excellent on the man advantage this year, placing second in the league behind Montreal with a 24.2- percent success rate.
The Flyers are playing a road test against the New York Islanders on Saturday, but will then return for a six-game homestand at the Wachovia Center.