Philadelphia Flyers Aim to Harpoon the San Jose Sharks, Richards Will Play

In what just might be a prelude to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Philadelphia Flyers will play host to the San Jose Sharks tonight.

The Sharks, who sit at 6-4-1 through their first eleven games, should be a big test for the equally successful Flyers, who, through eight games, have a record of 5-2-1.

The Flyers come into tonight’s matchup averaging 3.62 goals per game, ranking them fourth overall in the NHL. The Sharks' offense is equally dangerous, averaging 3.46 goals per game, ranking them eighth overall.

Defensively, to the surprise of many, the Flyers are among the NHL’s elite, giving up a paltry 2.75 goals per game, ranking them eighth overall. Clearly, the Flyers have emerged as one of the NHL’s most balanced teams, an attribute that should serve them well tonight.

As for the Sharks, they have given up an average of 3.00 goals per game, ranking them 15th overall. That said, in eight road games, the Sharks have given up an alarming 28 goals, something that should have the Flyers forwards drooling.

Coming off a three-point game against the Florida Panthers in which he scored two goals and added one assist, it appears as if Flyers forward Daniel Briere is heating up. Simon Gagne scored his first goal of the season last night, as did rookie James Van Riemsdyk.

The Sharks' scoring is led by forwards Danny Heatley and Joe Thornton, quite possibly the fiercest duo in the entire NHL. Thornton leads the NHL with 13 assists and is ranked third overall with 16 points. Heatley has scored seven goals and has 14 points.

Not to be forgotten, the Sharks also feature second line forward Patrick Marleau—who, through 11 games, has nine goals (tied for first in the NHL) and an impressive 14 points. No longer can the Sharks' opponents focus on shutting down their first line. Clearly, Marleau gives the Flyers something to think about tonight.

Clearly, down the middle, tonight's game should be a beauty. The Sharks' combination of Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau versus the Flyers' Mike Richards and Jeff Carter is a match made in heaven. More on Richards in a moment...

In the net, the Flyers will give Brian Boucher his first start of the season. Boucher, who played for the Sharks in 2008-09, went 12-6-3 with a sparkling 2.18 goals against average and two shutouts last season.

Boucher elected to sign with the Flyers as a free agent this summer and, like many a goaltender before him, will relish the opportunity to beat his old team and—by all accounts—should play well.

In other news, TSN is reporting Flyers GM Paul Holmgren stated forward Mike Richards should play tonight. Richards—who caught Florida Panther David Booth with his head down last night, leaving Booth with a concussion—received word earlier today he will not be suspended by the NHL for the hit, which is great news if you are a Flyers fan.

The hit was the topic of a number of conversations and debates on The Bleacher Report, with many readers sitting on the fence as to whether or not the NHL would ultimately decide to suspend Richards.

In this case, given Richards' history, or lack thereof, you have to think the NHL has made the right decision. Not everyone will agree with the NHL’s findings, that said, nobody ever does.

Until next time,

Peace!