FLYERS NEWS

Well, the Flyers begin their regular season tomorrow, so tonight as promised I will give you a quick summary of their preseason. 1st of all their record for the preseason was only 1-5-1 as in 1 win, 5 losses, and 1 tie. Now I know that may seem pretty bad, but it's the preseason so it really doesn't mean anything. Anyway despite their lowly record the Flyers had plenty of positives during the preseason. Peter Forsberg led the team with 6 points, on 1 goal and 5 assists and Simon Gagne led the team in goals with 3. Geoff Sanderson, Mike Richards, and Jeff Carter all chipped in with 2 goals each as well. Thus it's pretty obvious the Flyers can still score goals with the best of them. The real problem and the big reason they were only 1-5-1 was there defense, which had trouble holding leads and took way to many penalties, but then again so does everyone else during the preseason. Now as far as injuries are concerned the Flyers really didn't have any. Goalie Antero Nittymaki injured his hip and was initially expected to undergo surgery and be out for over a month, but instead he flew to Nashville, underwent a cortizone shot and suddenly there he was on the ice yesterday practicing with the rest of his teammates. BY all reports he should be ready to play by Saturday. Their only other injury was to defenseman Lars Johnson who will only be out a couple weeks with a high ankle sprain. Basically the Flyers had no serious injuries during the preseason. As for their chances this season, there has not been much buzz in the media about this team but maybe that's a good thing. After all it's always easier to fly under the radar then it is to be the center of attention. Anyway Like I said, the offense is rock solid and should continue to be, but it's the defense and goaltending that will determine the Flyers fate this season. If the defense can somehow rise above it's usual mediocrity and if either Nittymaki or Robert Esche can establish themselves legitimately as the number 1 goalie then the Flyers could surprise a couple teams and go deep into the playoffs, otherwise they will be where they normally are, out in the 1st round of the playoffs. Well, until tomorrow here's to another exciting season of Flyers hockey.