SB Nation Philly - Flyers Clinch Atlantic Division With Wild 7-4 Win Over Islandershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2011-04-10T12:30:21-04:00http://philly.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18634222011-04-10T12:30:21-04:002011-04-10T12:30:21-04:00Video: Flyers Team Awards Ceremony
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> handed out their team awards last night prior to the game against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a>. Here's a rundown of the awards with the video of the ceremony below.</p>↵<p><span>Claude Giroux</span> won the Bobby Clarke award for team MVP and the Gene Hart award for "best rapport with the fans."</p>↵<p><span>Danny Briere</span> won the "Toyota Cup" which is presented to the player with the most three stars votes at the end of the season.</p>↵<p><span>Brian Boucher</span> took home the "Yanick Dupree, Class Guy award" for the player with the best rapport with the media.</p>↵<p>The Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Most Improved Player Award went to <span>Andreas Nodl</span>.</p>↵<p><span>Andrej Meszaros</span> won the Barry Ashbee best defenseman award.<br><br> <object width="300" height="199"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yjkh-m_dH-c?fs=1&hl=en_US">
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https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-flyers/2011/4/10/2102201/video-flyers-team-awards-ceremonyJason Brewer2011-04-09T22:14:35-04:002011-04-09T22:14:35-04:00Flyers Clinch Atlantic Division With Wild 7-4 Win Over Islanders
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> clinched their first Atlantic Division title since 2004 and locked up the #2 seed in the Eastern conference with a wild 7-4 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> Saturday night. The win snaps the Flyers' season high five game losing streak and marks their 13th straight home victory over the Islanders.</p>
<p>The first period ended 3-3 after the Flyers had blown an early 2-0 lead. The Islanders would take the lead early in the second thanks to a <span>P.A. Parenteau</span> goal, but Andrej Mezaros and <span>Scott Hartnell</span> would restore the Flyers' lead before the second was over. Mezaros and Hartnell both had two goals on the night.</p>
<p><span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span>, who was anointed as the playoff starter earlier this week, was pulled from the game after he'd allowed 3 goals in the first twelve minutes. <span>Brian Boucher</span> came on in relief and played well with 25 saves.</p>
<p>Tonight's three stars were #1 - Andrej Mezaros (2G 2A), #2 Scott Hartnell (2G) and #3 Brian Boucher (25 Saves)</p>
<p>The Flyers will face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> in the first round of the playoffs, starting next week.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-flyers/2011/4/9/2101466/NHL-playoffs-flyers-clinch-atlantic-division-with-wild-7-4-win-over-islandersJason Brewer2011-04-09T19:44:26-04:002011-04-09T19:44:26-04:00NHL Playoff Picture: Flyers Tied 3-3 With Islanders, Lighting Up 3-0 Over Carolina
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> could not have wished for a better opponent in a game where a victory ensures that they clinch the Atlantic division and second place in the East. The Flyers have won 20 of their last 21 meetings with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a>, including 12 straight at Wells Fargo Center.</p>
<p>The game got off to an almost impossibly fast start as the Flyers scored twice within the first minute of the first period. Kimmo Timmonen scored just 14 seconds in and <span>Scott Hartnell</span> followed that up with just 47 seconds gone.</p>
<p>The momentum would not continue for the Flyers however as the Islanders came back to tied with goals from <span>Michael Grabner</span> and <span>Travis Hamonic</span>. <span>Danny Briere</span> then restored the Flyers lead with the games fifth goal before the first period has even reached the halfway point.</p>
<p><b>[Update 04/09/11 7:45 PM EDT ]</b> Islanders' <span>John Tavares</span> scored to make it 3-3. An Islanders win would give the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> a chance to take the division and the #2 seed tomorrow.</p>
<p>Meanwhile in Carolina, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canescountry.com/">Hurricanes</a> need a win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a> and they’re in the playoffs. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/">Rangers</a> would get the #8 seed should Tampa win. So far, Rangers fans are smiling. Carolina is down 3-0 before the first period is even over in a choke job that has to have the home fans fuming. It’s still early, but things don’t look good for Carolina.</p>
<p>As it stands, the Flyers first round opponent would be either the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a> or the familiar <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a>. Both teams are tied in the standings and in action tonight. Montreal has an early 2-1 lead over Toronto, while Buffalo and Columbus are scoreless.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-flyers/2011/4/9/2101244/nhl-playoff-picture-flyers-up-3-2-over-islanders-lighting-up-3-1-overJason Brewer2011-04-09T19:23:20-04:002011-04-09T19:23:20-04:00Flyers Can Clinch Atlantic Division With Win Over Islanders Tonight
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<p>(Sports Network) – Despite losing their last five games, along with sole possession of first place in the division, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> can clinch the Atlantic crown when they host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> tonight at the Wells Fargo Center.</p>
<p>The Flyers enter today tied with Pittsburgh for the division lead with just one game left for both teams. As a result of holding the tiebreaker with more non-shootout wins, Philadelphia can clinch the title over the idle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> with a win tonight. However, if the Flyers lose to the Isles, then Pittsburgh will get a shot to win the division when it visits Atlanta on Sunday.</p>
<p>One thing is certain in the Atlantic Division race and that is the second- place team will hold the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.</p>
<p>However, Philadelphia could secure the second seed in the East with a victory tonight. Boston is three points in back of the Flyers and has two games remaining, including today’s test against Ottawa. Philly can no longer claim the East’s top seed, as Washington is three points ahead of the Flyers.</p>
<p>The Flyers have an ideal opponent to pick up an important win against today, as they have beaten the Islanders all five times this season and have taken 20 of the last 21 meetings overall. New York has also dropped 12 straight in Philadelphia and last won a road game against the Flyers on April 7, 2007.</p>
<p>Philadelphia lost a 4-3 overtime decision Friday night in Buffalo to fall to 0-3-2 over its five-game skid. To make matters worse for the Flyers, Pittsburgh also posted a shootout win Friday over the Islanders to forge the tie atop the division.</p>
<p>The Flyers held a 3-2 lead against Buffalo before <span>Nathan Gerbe</span> tied the contest with his second goal of the game at 10:03 of the third. <span>Thomas Vanek</span> would win it for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a> just 1:16 into the extra session.</p>
<p>“You have to have a short memory,” said Flyers captain <span>Mike Richards</span>. “We did a lot of good things tonight. Obviously, we’re disappointed we didn’t get the win, but we put ourselves in a position to win one game at home and win the division.”</p>
<p><span>Danny Briere</span>, <span>Scott Hartnell</span> and <span>Kris Versteeg</span> scored for the Flyers, who have lost five in a row for the first time since an 0-4-1 stretch from March 20-27 of last season. Philadelphia hasn’t dropped six in a row since it went 0-3-3 to begin the 2008-09 campaign.</p>
<p><span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span> allowed four goals on 29 shots in Friday’s loss, but the rookie is expected to get the call tonight. Earlier this week, Bobrovsky was named the starter for Philadelphia’s opening playoff series.</p>
<p>Bobrovsky has won all five games against the Islanders this year while posting a 1.58 goals-against average in those tilts.</p>
<p>On the injury front, forward <span>Blair Betts</span> (lower body) and defenseman <span>Nick Boynton</span> (neck) are questionable for tonight.</p>
<p>The Islanders, who will miss the playoffs for a fourth straight spring, came up short in the spoiler role last night, losing a shootout decision against visiting Pittsburgh. It was the third straight loss and sixth defeat in seven games for New York.</p>
<p><span>Chris Kunitz</span> scored the lone goal in the third round of the shootout to lift the Penguins to a 4-3 win in the season finale at Nassau Coliseum. After the first five shooters were unable to turn on the red light, Kunitz snapped a wrister past New York goaltender <span>Al Montoya</span> for the win.</p>
<p><span>Blake Comeau</span> had two goals for New York, which tied the game on <span>Travis Hamonic</span>’s marker with 35 seconds left in regulation. Montoya stopped 35 shots.</p>
<p>New York has a dismal 13-20-7 road record this season, while the Flyers are 21-12-7 on home ice.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-flyers/2011/4/9/2101212/flyers-can-clinch-atlantic-division-with-win-over-islanders-tonightJason Brewer2011-04-08T22:20:55-04:002011-04-08T22:20:55-04:00Flyers Lose Season High Fifth Straight
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<p>Buffalo, NY (Sports Network) – <span>Thomas Vanek</span>’s goal at 1:16 of overtime lifted Buffalo over Philadelphia, 4-3, at <span class="caps">HSBC</span> Arena.</p>
<p>Vanek carried the puck through the middle of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a>’ defensive zone, split two defenders and scored on the backhand.</p>
<p><span>Nathan Gerbe</span> tallied twice for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a>, who clinched a playoff berth by virtue of playing beyond regulation. With the win, Buffalo pulled even with idle Montreal for sixth in the East with 94 points.</p>
<p><span>Jhonas Enroth</span> was pulled after allowing three goals on 19 shots in two periods. <span>Ryan Miller</span> picked up the win after stopping all eight shots he faced.</p>
<p><span>Danny Briere</span>, <span>Scott Hartnell</span> and <span>Kris Versteeg</span> scored for the Flyers, who continued their late-season freefall by losing their season-high fifth straight game.</p>
<p><span>Sergei Bobrovsky</span> allowed four goals on 29 shots. Philadelphia is now tied atop the Atlantic Division with Pittsburgh — which beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> in a shootout. Both teams have 104 points and one game remaining.</p>
<p>Philly’s OT defeat also means the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Washington Capitals</a> clinched the top seed in the conference.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-flyers/2011/4/8/2099926/flyers-lose-season-high-fifth-straightJason Brewer2011-04-08T16:59:54-04:002011-04-08T16:59:54-04:00Flyers Face Sabres With A Chance To Clinch Atlantic Division
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<p>(Sports Network) - There was a point in the season when it seemed like the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a> were a lock to claim the Atlantic Division title and the top seed in the East. That time is not now.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Flyers</a> will try to avoid a fifth straight loss this evening, when they visit the playoff-hopeful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/buffalo-sabres">Buffalo Sabres</a> at HSBC Arena.</p>
<p>Philadelphia enters today as the second seed in the Eastern Conference and is still one point ahead of Pittsburgh for the Atlantic lead. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> have two games left just like the Flyers and play a road game tonight against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a>.</p>
<p>However, the Flyers, who cannot fall further than the fourth seed in the East, could actually clinch their first Atlantic crown since 2004 tonight if they beat Buffalo and Pittsburgh loses to the Islanders.</p>
<p>Philadelphia is also four points behind Washington and has a game in hand to use against the idle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/washington-capitals">Capitals</a> tonight. The Caps would secure the top seed if the Flyers lose this evening.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Sabres</a>, meanwhile, are currently seventh out of eight playoff seeds in the East and could clinch a postseason berth with a point tonight. Buffalo is one point ahead of the eighth-seeded <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> and three ahead of Carolina.</p>
<p>Buffalo could have its franchise goaltender back to help in its postseason quest, as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/54834/ryan-miller">Ryan Miller</a> is expected to start either tonight against the Flyers or tomorrow in the Sabres' regular-season finale in Columbus. Last year's Vezina Trophy winner has missed the previous four games with an upper body injury, but rookie backstop <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/55699/jhonas-enroth">Jhonas Enroth</a> has posted a 3-0-1 record in Miller's absence.</p>
<p>The Sabres won their second straight game and improved to 7-1-2 over their last 10 games with Tuesday's victory over visiting Tampa Bay. Thomas Vanek notched a hat trick to help Buffalo claim the 4-2 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/tampa-bay-lightning">Lightning</a>.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/55202/tim-connolly">Tim Connolly</a> had a goal and two assists and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/55208/jason-pominville">Jason Pominville</a> added two helpers for the Sabres. Enroth stopped 23 shots to improve his record to 8-2-2 on the year.</p>
<p>"We did a good job of limiting our turnovers cause they're a team that thrives off of that," said Connolly. "We're playing as a group and we're playing as a team out there and are moving things in the right direction."</p>
<p>This evening's tilt is Buffalo's final home test of the regular season. The Sabres are 20-16-4 as the host this year.</p>
<p>Philadelphia has an 0-3-1 record since its last win, a 5-2 victory in Pittsburgh on March 29, and the Flyers have just six victories over their last 19 games (6-8-5).</p>
<p>The Flyers were dealt an embarrassing loss Tuesday in Ottawa, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/teams/ottawa-senators">Senators</a> slammed Philly, 5-2, at Scotiabank Place. <span>Jason Spezza</span> recorded a goal and three assists to lead the bottom-feeding <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silversevensens.com/">Senators</a> to the victory.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/55008/mike-richards">Mike Richards</a> notched both goals for the Flyers, while rookie <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/111377/sergei-bobrovsky">Sergei Bobrovsky</a> allowed four goals on 35 shots. Bobrovsky is expected to start tonight and has a 2-1-0 record and a 3.02 goals-against average against the Sabres this season.</p>
<p>Philadelphia has a strong 25-11-4 record as the guest this year and is playing its final road test of the regular season tonight. The Flyers will complete their schedule in tomorrow's home test against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>.</p>
<p>Flyers forwards <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/54822/danny-briere">Danny Briere</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/54191/blair-betts">Blair Betts</a> have missed the last two games with lower body injuries and both players are questionable for today's contest. Briere is second on Philadelphia with 32 goals this season and Betts is one of the team's best penalty killers.</p>
<p>In other news, Philadelphia will also welcome <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/54268/michael-leighton">Michael Leighton</a> back to the fold tonight. Leighton, who was the Flyers' No. 1 goalie during their run to the Stanley Cup Finals last spring, cleared waivers on Wednesday and is expected to provide insurance for Bobrovsky and backup <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../nhl/players/54767/brian-boucher">Brian Boucher</a>.</p>
<p>Leighton has played in just one game for the Flyers this year and that was on Dec. 30. The journeyman missed the first few months of this season after undergoing back surgery.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/2011/4/8/2333056/flyers-face-sabres-with-a-chance-to-clinch-atlantic-divisionJason Brewer