Shaping Things Up: Philadelphia Flyers Heal and Get Hot as Playoffs Near

"We're in the midst of a huge battle," proclaims Martin Biron, starting goalie of the Philadelphia Flyers. "We're battling with the Rangers, the Devils, the Senators," he says after practice on Thursday. With less than two weeks and five games to go until the end of the regular season, the Flyers are hoping to have a full roster and a good standing in the Eastern Conference come playoff time.

With Randy Jones, Derian Hatcher, and R.J. Umberger out of the lineup for the past few weeks, the Flyers have an 7-3-3 record since the beginning of March. Looking to improve upon that record, Randy Jones and R.J. Umberger are both expected to get back into the lineup before the end of the season. Umberger had been sidelined with an MCL sprain in his knee but has recently returned to team practice. Randy Jones had injured his hip flexors, a group of muscles in the pelvic region. 

However, the bad news for the defense is the condition of Derian Hatcher. The defensive anchor and penalty kill aficionado fractured his tibia in the overtime loss to Boston on March 15. The Flyers are 4-1 since that game.

As well as short term injuries beginning to fade, Simon Gagne has stated that he may return if the Flyers have a significant chance at the Stanley Cup. "If we go all the way this year, you might see me skating again and getting ready again," Gagne said Wednesday. "But, no, I'm not coming back." After sustaining concussion problems in multiple games this season, the Flyers are in no rush to have him back, as he has canceled doctor appointments due to his symptoms.

On the ice, however, things are beginning to look bright after the flyers 7-game loss streak. Daniel Briere has finally found chemistry with Vinny Prospal, all four lines have been producing, and the Flyers are gaining momentum with recent wins including Mike Richards's dramatic overtime winner against the Rangers.

As the end of the season looms nearer, the Flyers players and staff are hopeful that this team will have good playoff success. With injured players returning and the team coming together, Flyers fans and devotees will most likely have an April full of Orange and Black hockey, something missing last season.

Devin Cornia

Picture Courtesy of www.flyers.nhl.com