Philadelphia Flyers Look to Continue Dominance of New York Islanders

Martin Biron has been a typical Philadelphia Flyers (13-7-6) goaltender in his two and half year stint with the club.

He has seen both the good times and the bad times.  After leading the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, Biron has struggled out of the gate this year posting a GAA of 2.94, and a save percentage of .901.

Biron should be pretty comfortable tonight as the Flyers take on their Atlantic division rival, the New York Islanders (10-15-2) at the Wachovia Center.  Biron is 16-4 in his career against the Islanders, including a perfect run of 6-0 last season.

The Flyers enter tonight’s game losing only once in regulation during their last 13 games, posting a 9-1-3 mark in the span.  Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, who were both drafted in the first round of the 2004 NHL entry draft by the Flyers have been the catalysts. 

Carter has 19 goals this season, only one behind Buffalo’s Thomas Vanek for the league lead.  Carter scored the overtime game winner Saturday night in Carolina, his third overtime winner this year.

The captain of the Flyers, Mike Richards, has scored five goals in his last five games, including two shorthanded goals.  He is tied with teammate Simon Gagne for the league lead with four.

The Islanders are have lost four of their last five games, including a 4-2 loss last night courtesy of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Islanders continue to use Joey McDonald in net, in place of the injured Rick Dipietro.

Game Notes

The Flyers are 2-0 this season against the Islanders, winning one game at home and one on the road.  Matt Carle will miss his fifth straight game due to back spasms.  The Flyers are 5-1-3 against the Atlantic division this year. Antero Nittymaki will get the start on Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes, a team he has beaten twice this season.