[blueandwhite]

so what we have next is Philly and then Philly.
Flyers sit in 8th. If the Leafs have any chance at all (and some believe they don't) they need these next two games vs. Philadelphia.
right now the Leafs sit at 13th. Then there's the islanders at 12th, panthers, capitals, sabres - and then Philly at 8th.
We have 70 points and have played 70 games. Flyers have 78 points and have played 69 games.
two back to back games in Toronto and then in Philly.
I predict only that both teams are fighting for their lives - and the Leafs, their dignity - and they will no doubt be rough, hard hitting, great games. Goalies need to be in their best form.
Do you agree, Phils?

[Phils20]

I do think these will be two of the toughest fought games of the year, from both sides. I expect war on ice.

And I expect a split, or for the Flyers to win both. I'm hopeing for the Flyers to still move up, and they want these games just as much.

I'm looking forward to these games like they are the playoffs. If the Flyers really think they are a good team, they need to play like it.

Game on!

[blueandwhite]

Toskala will get his 22nd consecutive start (Raycroft's rear end must be big and flat and he has super baseball cap head) - who'll be in net for the Flyers, do you think?

[Phils20]

I would think Biron. He was brought in to be the starter, and I think we need to succeed or not succeed based on him. At least we will know.

I know that sounds a bit crazy, but since we are still far from a Cup winning team, let's just see if he can cut it. I think Nitty can come in at any time and play at a decent level if we need him, but Biron expects to be the #1, and seems to play a bit better when he plays more.

[Oli Jokinen!]

Originally Posted by Phils20

I do think these will be two of the toughest fought games of the year, from both sides. I expect war on ice.

And I expect a split, or for the Flyers to win both. I'm hopeing for the Flyers to still move up, and they want these games just as much.

I'm looking forward to these games like they are the playoffs. If the Flyers really think they are a good team, they need to play like it.

Game on!

I would expect it to go the other way, since the Leafs have been going all out. Flyers are doing well, but can they handle the blazing Leafs?

[Phils20]

I sure think so. If you are going to go anywhere in the playoffs, then you need to win tough games. The Flyers are still without a couple of key players, but I think the ones that are playing are up to the challenge!

We'll find out, starting in about 15 minutes!

[Phils20]

This game is drivng me crazy! Way too many calls! If I didn't know better, I would think the refs all got new whistles, and are trying them out. There have been nitpicky calls both ways, and I would just like to see some 5 on 5 hockey!!!

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr

[Oli Jokinen!]

Refs like to make the game interesting, but they make the fans want to blow their brains out on their bran knew carpet. Get on with he 5 on 5 YOU REFS!
Oh yea, when they make the wrong call on a play, they didn't call Toronto. They ordered a pizza and then they get pepsi out. Then they all eat it after the game. All happy they cheated.

[Phils20]

Toronto pulled one out, but they needed 54 shots, and a non call on Sundin to do it. That last power play that tied the game doesn't happen if they call the holding of Smiths Jersey on Sundin.

The Leafs need to play even more of a desperate game tomorrow to win in Philly!

B&W, the Leafs go down tomorrow!

I respect the spirit, but it can't carry em forever.

The first ten minutes, I was concerned. Then it seemed they stopped playing. That second goal gave them some fire, and the Flyers just didn't step up to their level.

But I just hate the fact that so many hockey games end up swinging on terrible calls or non calls.

Tonight's game was typical of how terrible the refs are. And the calls went both ways, with the last non call hurting the Flyers!

I can't wait for tomorrow! Revenge is best served cold, and there isn't much colder than ice!

[blueandwhite]

Yeah you are right - it works both ways. I'm thinking about a crappy little call on a slash that Mats was called on and then Philly scored. So it goes both ways - and Toronto gets called Ollie as much as Philly.
I think we have to look past the bad calls that happen both ways and just look at the game.
And what a game. I bet Biron was flaming mad after that one, after holding off 40 plus shots before we scored Boom Boom Boom.
Thing is, it would have worked better for us if Philly hadn't even taken one point and we tried desperately that last minute with Toskala on the bench - gutsy move.
Leafs played a good game even when they were down 3-0 - the defence in front of Biron was amazing.
But 4-3 final in OT and bring it on tonight.

[blueandwhite]

just to add to this - stat last night showed that the leafs have had over 40 shots in each of their last 4 games.
If there ever was a prize for trying, they should get that. real nice to see them not just lay down and die, you know? I feel like a mom sometimes - so proud of them.

[Phils20]

Very true about the calls going both way!

I was mad enough about the Flyers defensive play last night to chew through a puck!!

I can't wait for tonight!

[blueandwhite]

hey just to see it from the other side - when Tucker raced for the net and was twisted by a Flyer and Tucker ended up going right into biron? the way i saw it was, he didn't have a choice after the Flyer grabbed him - that if he could have gotten out of the way of Biron, he would have. yet he gets a penalty for goalie interference.
I'm all for protecting the goalies on either side (although I also thing we coddle goalies too much when they are wrapped up like swaddling babes in padding) - but I didn't think that call was fair on Tucker. Did you get mad when you saw that play and think it was all intentional?

also did you see biron's stick swipe on Blake? nasty-but Blake was fine.
Biron was in fine form in many ways that game.

[Peterborough]

That was a really bold move on Maurice's part pulling the goalie in the end. Usually the coaches play things so safe all the time it's nice to see them take a chance like that. And it came SO close to paying off too! Ponikarovsky should change his stick, or his gloves or something. He's hit like 4 posts in the past 3 games, and wasn't that him almost scoring with the goalie pulled?

[blueandwhite]

okay so is it really his stick? or is it ponikarovsky?
You're talking like a superstitious hockey player.
like the announcer said last night - it's been a season of almosts.