Ennis the OT hero in Sabres Game 5 win over Flyers

Just call him the most unheralded rookie of a deep crop. Tyler Ennis saved the Sabres' bacon in a pivotal Game Five, scoring the overtime winner at 5:31 to rescue his club after blowing a 3-0 lead for a gutsy 4-3 win over the Flyers at a stunned Wachovia Center. In an unpredictable series where nobody's been able to handle to win two in a row, Buffalo now leads the best-of-seven First Round 3-2 with a chance to close it out tomorrow afternoon at 3 ET at HSBC Arena.

“This is definitely a great place to play,” an excited 21 year-old Ennis said. “Any time you can silence the crowd like that, it’s an awesome feeling.”

It was his second goal of the game, which also happened to be the second of the series after being shutout the first four. For the seventh seeded Sabres, it couldn't have come at a better time, allowing them not to become another victim of the dreaded three goal lead in what's amounted to a wild opening round. If you've paid attention to these 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, no lead is safe. The Kings, Bruins, Canadiens and Rangers have all been victimized at home. If you include Nashville's late comeback over Anaheim, that's five teams that couldn't hold off determined opponents with each pulling it out in sudden death. At least the Ducks were only up one.

“I liked the fact that we were able to regroup,” noted a pleased Lindy Ruff. “I told the team that we just needed to relax. We needed to make more plays, and we did a tremendous job.”

Perhaps that's the reason so many leads have evaporated. As the veteran coach further explained in last night's postgame, teams tend to take their foot off the gas pedal and play safe. That allows teams the opportunity to come back. The Sabres took advantage of an off Brian Boucher, scoring nearly identical goals from tough angles to build a quick 2-0 lead in the first four minutes. Coincidentally, Ennis started it when he threw a harmless puck that went right through Boucher's feet at 2:24. Taking a cue from the '08 first round pick who finished the season with 49 points, leading scorer Thomas Vanek took a pass from Patrick Kaleta and intentionally shot one from behind the net off Boucher for 2-zip 87 seconds later. When rookie defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani scored a more conventional power play goal with a perfect laser off the far post, that ended  Boucher's night.

“I’d very much like to redeem myself,” Boucher lamented. “Like I said, it was my responsibility tonight. I take ownership in that. To put your team in a hole like that, they didn’t deserve that.”

The popular Flyer netminder predictably slammed his stick when he got to the bench as 2010 hero Michael Leighton replaced him between the pipes. In doing so, the vet who got into just one game this season due to a slew of injuries, became the third different goalie in the series for Peter Laviolette. Considering that his club's also been without top defender Chris Pronger the entire first round and now lost Jeff Carter for the rest as well, it speaks to the difficulty the second seeded Atlantic champs are having.

The goalie change sparked Philadelphia. Suddenly reinvigorated, they began peppering Ryan Miller until he finally cracked. Following a controversial hand pass by leading scorer Claude Giroux that neither ref saw, the Flyers took full advantage when Andrej Mezsaros set up James van Riemsdyk for the hosts' first tally. The Old Bridge kid from New Jersey has been effective all series and got his team going. It didn't take long for Philly to slice the deficit to one when Giroux and vet Sean O'Donnell combined to feed Mezsaros for a wicked one-timer past Miller 105 seconds later. Suddenly alive, the Flyers pressed for the equalizer but Miller held them off for the time being with Buffalo nursing a one-goal lead after two.

Undeterred, the Flyers came out and got it tied thanks to a former Sabre. Danny Briere roasted his ex-team thanks to a nifty pass behind the net from Mike Richards, sneaking in front and flipping a backhand top shelf tying it 3-3 at 3:36. Ever since he departed Buffalo, Briere has killed them. It was his third of the series. Kris Versteeg also notched a helper.

With the crowd revved up, the Flyers looked for more but Miller wasn't biting. Despite giving up three straight, last year's Vezina winner was outstanding, making several sparklers en route to a game high 36 saves. That included a flat out denial of one-time Ranger Nikolay Zherdev, who was also dangerous in OT. Playing with Giroux and Van Riemsdyk, the enigmatic Russian made a couple of nice defensive plays and went to the net in search of rebounds. Two things he never did while on Broadway. While the Flyers and in particular Giroux were scary anytime he had the puck, Buffalo settled down and also began forcing Leighton to make some tough saves. For his part, Leighton played well turning aside 20 of 21 forcing overtime.

In it, both rivals went for it, making for compelling action. Miller made three saves in succession, robbing Zherdev on the doorstep and closing up with Giroux poking away. Ironically, Ennis' winner came with Zherdev out. Steve Montador kept the puck in at the right point as Zherdev pressured. However, he lost his check allowing Montador to dish across to an open Mike Weber, whose quick low shot caromed right to a trailing Ennis who buried it for a heroic Game Five win.

“We can’t hang our heads,” Briere said while alluding to the Flyers' historic comeback from 3-0 down against the Bruins. “We were in a worse position last year, so if there’s a group of guys that can do it, I believe in this group here.”

Pominville Out: It wasn't all good news for the Sabres, who lost forward Jason Pominville for the rest of the series with a right leg injury sustained during an incidental collision with a Flyer in the first.

“It doesn’t look too good for him,” Ruff said. “We’ll know more about that tomorrow.”

Cup Preview: Someone Has To Win

Tomorrow night, the Stanley Cup Final finally gets going. It'll be a battle between two Cup starved franchises that haven't sipped from Lord Stanley in quite a while.

On one side, you got the surprising Flyers looking to bring the trophy back to Broad Street for the first time since winning their only two back-to-back in 1974 and 1975. The miraculous comeback from 3-0 down stunning Boston has Peter Laviolette's club looking like a team of destiny. Boosted by the return of Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere, they finished off Montreal in five. Captain Mike Richards has led the charge with 21 points (6-15-21) playing in every key situation. He's gotten plenty of help from Daniel Briere and Claude Giroux, who've combined for 17 goals. Chris Pronger (4-10-14) has been brilliant anchoring the D while actually making Matt Carle into a viable option.

Without Simon Gagne's amazing return (7 G), Ville Leino's (12 Pts in 13 GP) surprising contributions and the goaltending of tandem Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton, the orange and black aren't here. It all makes for a tremendous story. Something a Ranger blogger and Devil blogger hate to admit. If they pull this off, you have to tip your cap. We're sure the Rangers will be the main source of frustration. Damn Olli Jokinen and silly skill comps. At least Blair Betts is vying for the hardware. Silly Tort.

Standing in their way are the Blackhawks, who are searching for the franchise's first Cup since 1961 when Bobby Hull starred. They've made the Final four times since losing every single one. The last in 1992 to the mighty Pens, who swept them. Nearly two decades later, here are a different batch of Hawks focused on making history. Led by Conn Smythe candidate/captain Jonathan Toews (7-19-26, 3 GW), Joel Queeneville's club has backed up last year's run to the Conference Finals by taking the next step. They'll have home ice and face immense pressure in a city that's still haunted by Steve Bartman. Can a talented squad led by Toews and running mate Patrick Kane (7-13-20) deliver a fourth championship to the Windy City? They'll have to overcome the obstacle of Marian Hossa. The gifted Slovak has made it here three consecutive years losing with Pittsburgh and Detroit the past two years. Is the third time the charm for one of the biggest superstar teases? He'll have to do better than two goals in the first three rounds.

While much of the focus is on him, these Hawks boast incredible depth led by money performer Dustin Byfuglien, who's netted half his eight as deciders including two in sudden death. It should be fun to watch Big Buff battle Pronger in front. Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland have been instrumental with the latter scoring backbreaking goals on breakaways. Kris Versteeg, Troy Brouwer and Cup proven John Madden should give them an edge. Norris hopeful Duncan Keith (1-9-10) anchors the D along with Brent Seabrook (3-6-9 +8) who'll be severely tested by the Flyer forecheck. Brian Campbell could be a key. Meanwhile, Antti Niemi has silenced critics in net keeping Cristobal Huet as far away from ruining it. Can he ace the final test?

It really shapes up to be a good series. Both these teams boast speed and are very effective on the forecheck. The Flyers looking to control the back boards. The Hawks similar but with more skill. Keep an eye on their pinpoint passing. Both teams are effective on special teams. An area that figures to be a real key to who prevails. Of course, whoever can get to the goalie first should have an edge. Boucher returns if Leighton falters. Huet has only seen three shots the whole Spring. Never discount coaching. Laviolette has been here before guiding Carolina to the Cup in 2006. He usually pushes the right buttons and is a master motivator. Queeneville's a good coach but the edge goes to the Flyer bench.

Two big markets battle for the most prestigious trophy in sports. As long as it isn't onesided, figure the series to fare well. I see it going at least six. My heart says Blackhawks but my gut says Flyers. We'll start getting some answers tomorrow on this Memorial Day weekend.

Flyers Make History: Thirty Five Years is all it took

Who says History can't be made? It would be easy to give the Flyers all the kudos for a remarkable comeback that kinda makes up for 2004. But hey. Who are we kidding? So, without further due:

Congratulations Boston Bruins on making the wrong kind of headlines. Claude Julien. You and your Jacques Lemaire-esque system are indeed HISTORY.

Why do dinosaurs like CJ, JL and Ken Hitchcock still exist? I've echoed it many times. But in today's New NHL, no lead is ever safe. The playoffs are a different animal. Credit Philly for never giving up thanks to a good coach in Peter Laviolette who plays more aggressively. The best thing that ever happened to them was firing John Stevens. Then of course Simon Gagne playing the hero, with a Game 4 sudden death winner in his first game back from a broken bone in his right foot. Then scoring three more times, including the dramatic power play series clincher- cashing in on a Boston bench minor for too many men. You GOTTA BE KIDDING.

No Jeff Carter. No Ian Laperriere. Brian Boucher goes down. Michael Leighton returns and gives up the first three after permitting only one goal on his first 45. No problem. Laviolette calls a timeout and the Flyers regroup thanks to 21 year-old Jersey native James Van Riemsdyk, who scored the biggest goal before the end of the first that gave them life. Incredible poise shown by the rookie who hadn't done much. He saved his team. Then Scott Hartnell, Daniel Briere and Gagne did the rest. Four goals in four games for Simon, who's never played better. And Briere scoring money goals finally earning that paycheck with Carter out and Claude Giroux disappearing. An awful lot of H-E-A-R-T was shown by the guys in white, orange and black. They never gave up. If only a couple of other teams here had remembered that.

Outstanding work Philadelphia. And of course ditto for their eighth seeded opponent the Canadiens, who've slayed the Caps and Pens in seven. Btw...the Flyers' miraculous victory from three down and three back improved road teams to a perfect 4-0 in Game 7's this postseason. Remarkable. Hasan's said it plenty. Home ice just ain't the same. If you get a chance to put a team away, you better stomp on them. Boston just couldn't and were never the same after David Krejci's injury. Zero excuses. The Flyers were banged up and still got it done, making history.

1942 Toronto Maple Leafs
1975 New York Islanders
2010 Philadelphia Flyers

History Made.

A seven versus eight for the chance to play for Lord Stanley in what was believed to be a four-horse race. Somebody forgot to tell the Flyers and Canadiens, who just slipped into the playoffs the final weekend. Postseason is all about determination. Who wants it? Somewhere, the frontrunners lost their focus. This has been an extraordinary Spring. Now, we get a Conference Final nobody had unless you lived in Philly and Montreal. One will advance to meet the winner of a more traditional 1/2 between San Jose and Chicago. Great theatre.

Finally, we feel for Bruin fans. Kudos to them for continuing to support their team even when Gagne scored the fourth unanswered. They did their part, trying to rally their team. Unfortunately, the fans at TD Garden suffered the same cruel fate those at the old Stadium did six years ago to a Boston team. Irony. The fans have to be incredibly disappointed. Hey. At least ya still got the Celtics!

Halak, Habs oust champs, Flyers on verge of history

Sometimes, things live up to their billing. Such was the case tonight with two stunners taking place. First, the Canadiens backstopped by Jaroslav Halak (37 saves) eliminated the defending champion Penguins 5-2 in Game Seven- advancing to the franchise's first Conference Final since they last won the Cup in 1993. Another improbable run led by Patrick Roy. The eighth seeded Habs have now ousted both the President's Trophy winning Caps and Pens in deciding games on the road. While they didn't have to win three straight, this time they had to contend with a more experienced/better overall team. To accomplish what they have is remarkable. Kudos to Mike Cammalleri, who added to his postseason-leading goal total with No.12. Brian Gionta was equally great, tallying twice including just 32 seconds in to set the tone. Camms and Gio combined for 12 of the Habs' markers in the series.

More stunning was how well Hal Gill on one leg played after missing Game Six. The heart he demonstrated going back out there to lead his new team past the one he won with is something to behold. That's what it takes. It was nice to see the big guy prove us wrong. How about Scott Gomez netting two assists and playing to capability. Guess Bob Gainey wasn't so crazy reuniting Gomer and Gio after all. We'll take our crow barbecued to a crisp. There's only so much one can say about Halak, who made a huge stop on Sidney Crosby early in the third to thwart the Pens rally. The man was simply sensational, putting together some of the best goaltending since Giguere and Roy. Who says he can't keep it up?

They still don't know who they'll face. That's because the Flyers simply refuse to go home quietly. They have now rallied from an 0-3 hole to tie the series against Boston. Michael Leighton was terrific in his first playoff start holding the struggling B's to one late Milan Lucic tally with a minute left before the Flyers held on to win their third in a row. Simon Gagne and Daniel Briere came through for the home team, who now see the same light the Red Sox saw against the Yankees. Just the dejected looks on Boston's side as they exited told the story. Can Claude Julien and his leadership of Chara, Savard and Recchi possibly restore order for Friday? Or are the Flyers 35 years after the Islanders did it to the Pens destined to make history. It looks like it's going to be tough and not so much for the orange and black.

Finally, it's amazing to think that in a seven-game series, Crosby and Malkin combined for only two goals. It's a credit to how determined Jacques Martin's scrappy bunch were taking away passing and shooting lanes while limiting time and space. But we also saw both superstars pressing in a flat first that saw neither register a shot while both made uncharacteristic errors we're not accustomed to seeing. Sid was in the box for Gionta's early PPG for a mistimed rough. Malkin had several mystifying giveaways on power plays, passing up great opportunities to shoot. Though they combined for 11 shots the final 40, neither really distinguished themselves.

Stunning stuff in Pittsburgh on what became Mellon Arena's final night. Kudos to the fans who stayed and gave their team a nice salute as did the disappointed former champs. Thumbs down to the ones who left early. Especially on The Igloo's final day. A Cup winner that reached two straight Finals and delivered so many bright stars and some left. Unbelievable.

A great night for hockey regardless. Eye opening to say the least.

Great Theatre Tonight

If you're a hockey fan, then you're in luck. Tonight promises to be quite interesting. Great theatre is anticipated with the No.8 seeded Canadiens looking to repeat what they did to Ovechkin. This time, they're pitted against the Crosby/Malkin Pens. A larger task for sure.

Taking down the defending champs at what just could be the final game at old Mellon Arena would be astronomical. Les Habitants will need virtuoso performances from all actors led by Jaroslav Halak, series star Mike Cammalleri and Hal Gill. They'll need help from familiar ex-Devil duo Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. Both have played well. Each has big game experience. Can they put it together in Game Seven? Tomas Plekanec has mostly been absent. If the soon to be FA wants to increase his value, this would be a great start. He was real effective in the Round One upset. Other key components of this improbable Hab run have been antagonist Max Lapierre, ex-Ranger Dominic Moore, former pick Tom Pyatt and Andrei Kostitsyn. Emergency call-up P.K. Subban has been stellar and Josh Gorges instrumental in teaming with Gill to blanker Sidney Crosby. Minus top defender Andrei Markov, do they have one more peak performance in them? Hopefully, it won't be as anticlimatic as last year's Conference Semi Caps dismantling.

While the Habs will still be heavy underdogs against Crosby, Geno, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jordan Staal, Gonchar and Kris Letang, the Flyers are trying to do something that hasn't been done since 1975. Only twice in NHL history have teams rallied from 0-3 down to win series. The 1942 Leafs and most recently, the Islanders did it some 35 years ago, 33 years after Toronto. Is the timing right for the banged up Flyers to stun the Bruins? Simon Gagne has been remarkable coming back from a broken bone in his right foot scoring the sudden death winner to keep his team alive in Game Four and two more goals in a 4-0 Game Five rout.

All of Philadelphia will be behind their Flyers when the puck drops an hour from now at Wachovia. To even sniff the final part of something the Red Sox did to the Yankees in '04, Peter Laviolette's bunch must get off quickly against what should be a more focused and desperate Boston club that wants nothing to do with Game Seven. Even if it's in their own building, the pressure would be gigantic. The Avs tried this a few years ago against the Sharks winning two straight before falling in Game Six. The sixth game AKA third part is usually the biggest hurdle. If Philly can get through it, only then does it become possible. They'll need Michael Leighton to start where he left off in relief of injured Brian Boucher the other night. Remember, it was Leighton who was so brilliant before Boucher got them in. Now, he has a chance to help his team make history. The Flyers are still without Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere. That doesn't matter. They've shown heart all Spring.

It sets up to be quite the watch. Sit back, relax and crack open a Molson.

Sabres show character in win

Something needed to change for Lindy Ruff's club, who continued to struggle dropping the first two games out of the break. That was until last night where the Sabres showed some composure in a hard fought 3-2 overtime home win over the Flyers. Twice they responded to one goal deficits before OT hero Tim Connolly atoned for a mistake completing the comeback.

To their credit, Philadelphia played well using an aggressive forecheck to make life difficult on Buffalo. After a scoreless first, the guests got on the board first when Simon Gagne finished off his 10th set up by Lukas Krajicek, who went around a Sabre forward to find the Flyer scorer. Gagne got inside position on rookie Tyler Myers in front.

But with the Flyers looking to increase the lead, the Sabres got a spark from slumping finisher Thomas Vanek. who netted an unlikely one for his 19th. Off an Adam Mair dump in from center ice, an attacking Vanek caught Michael Leighton out of position. He wisely threw the puck at the net which caromed off Leighton and in to tie it 2:13 later. A good hustle play from the Sabres' most gifted forward who'll need to ramp it up the rest of the way. Particularly this Spring.

Despite some good pressure from Philly, who outshot Buffalo 10-6 in the stanza, the game remained knotted thanks to Olympic MVP Ryan Miller making a few key saves. In his second start post Winter Games, the Vezina candidate was solid turning aside 27 of 29.

The third was topsy turvy with both clubs trading chances making it a fun watch. Each netminder was strong with Leighton stoning a couple of Sabres from in tight while Miller kept the Flyers at bay. However, a Connolly miscue almost proved costly. The centerman's blind giveaway inside his blueline allowed an opportunistic Mike Richards to break in clean and beat Miller, going to the backhand top shelf for a 2-1 lead with 8:51 left.

Just when it seemed the Flyers would ride it to a 'W,' they came undone in their own end allowing Mair to tie it. A sloppy Matt Carle pass near his net resulted in Mike Grier stealing and setting up Mair, who snuck a backhand past Leighton for the equalizer less than three minutes later. It would remain tied at the end of regulation.

During the four-on-four, it was the HSBC hosts wearing the dark blue and gold jerseys who earned the big extra point. Thanks to a solid forecheck that saw pinching defenseman Andrej Sekera keep a play alive, deadline pickup Raffi Torres retrieved a loose puck and fed Toni Lydman at the left point. Lydman quickly fired a low shot that rebounded right to Connolly who buried it for just the Sabres' second win in 10 (2-6-2). It came at a good time moving Buffalo back into first a point up on Ottawa, who's dropped their first two since returning. They'll look to end the skid when they play host to nemesis Toronto in tonight's Hockey Night In Canada feature.

“It was tough but when I got back to the bench, a lot of the guys told me not to worry about it, go out there and we’ll get one back,” Connolly said of his gaffe which he made up for. “Mair was able to get one back quick, and that gives you a little boost.”

“If we keep playing like that, we’re going to have some leads and we’re going to be back to the way we need to be playing,” added Miller of an effort which was just what they needed.

Notes: Vanek's goal gave him 300 career points. ... Leighton finished with 32 saves suffering the hard luck loss. ... Buffalo held leading Flyer finisher Jeff Carter off the score sheet, snapping his six-game goal streak. The right wing finished minus-one with four shots in his 277th consecutive game, surpassing former Flyer captain Bobby Clarke for third longest iron man streak in franchise history. ... With a goal and helper, Connolly raised his career best season to 42 assists and 57 points, pacing the club. It helps that he's played in all 63 games. ... F Drew Stafford left the game in the first with an injury playing only 4:33.

... The game was a milestone for Ruff, who moved into third place all-time for most games (965) coached with one team. It was his 471st win- the fourth most for one franchise. ... Buffalo (34-20-9, 76 Pts) pays a visit to Rangers (29-27-8, 66 Pts) tomorrow night. They should be a little weary after taking on conference leader Washington in the nation's capital later. Recently claimed Alex Auld will get the nod while Marian Gaborik rushes back from a groin injury.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Mike Richards, Phi (26th of season, +1 in 20:34)
2nd Star-Michael Leighton, Phi (32 saves)
1st Star-Adam Mair, Buf (goal, assist, 3 SOG in 15:02)

Bruins edge Flyers in Winter Classic Finish

The 3rd Annual NHL Winter Classic did not disappoint at prestigious Fenway Park. In a battle of old rivals, the Boston Bruins rallied back to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 before nearly 40,000 screaming fans at the great ballpark on Yawkey Way. History was made as the B's became the first home team to win the signature even on New Year's Day. In the inaugural played at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, the Sabres fell to Sid The Kid and the Pens in a shootout. Last year in the Windy City, the Blackhawks came up short to the Red Wings at Wrigley Field.

It looked like the visitors would go three-for-three. Michael Leighton looked on his way to a second straight shutout. But a late power play goal from wily vet Mark Recchi and Marco Sturm's overtime winner gave the home supporters plenty to cheer in what amounted to the best of the three Classics to date. With apologies to Sidney Crosby for that glorious skill comp winner in the snow, watching Sturm win it in more conventional fashion was better. There's something about seeing a player score in OT as opposed to the more scripted gimmick where it's decided by a one-on-one. In today's game, we don't get enough of those cool celebrations. Even with four-on-four, a majority have needed the gimmick. So, it was cool to see Patrice Bergeron thread the needled to an open Sturm for a nifty tip past Leighton for the decider 1:57 into the extra five. Plus the celebration with the proud German slamming the glass before being mobbed by teammates was great on what amounted to a perfect winter day in Beantown.

The weather held up with ideal conditions as temps ranged from 28-35, thankfully minus rain with plenty of cloud cover. It was classic pond hockey for a bunch of paid pros playing a game they remember as kids. That's what makes this event so special. It's hockey in its purest form. Outdoors in all the elements. A big thanks must go out to Larry Lucchino for agreeing to host such a game. Just seeing the background of the Green Monster along with the mini rink on the side where kids skated was pretty damn jaw dropping. They did a fantastic job putting this together. A huge thank you to all the maintenance who worked so hard to get this thing ready. Hockey ain't done there either. There's also a college double header featuring BU vs BC on the men's side.

While it's true the first couple of periods weren't on the edge, it definitely picked up in the third, elevating for a memorable finish. Still, just getting to see two legends on each side greet their players as they were introduced was priceless. There was Bobby Clarke wearing the Flyer 'C' along with a few boos smirking as he skated up to meet old rival Bobby Orr for the ceremonial puck drop. One of the coolest aspects. Two of the greatest players who each led their team to a pair of Cups side by side, yucking it up. One arguably the best to ever play the sport. Ask my Dad or any of our older generation and the nod goes to Orr or Gordie Howe over Gretzky, Lemieux and Messier. Makes for a great bar debate.

Even if one of the most well known bloggers didn't care for a vast majority of a hard fought game, how could you not love that scrap between Daniel Carcillo and Shawn Thornton? Another Classic first as the two combatants dropped the gloves 8:01 in with the mustached Carcillo (ode to 70's Flyers) getting the decision by landing a clean right to drop Thornton. Class was shown as he immediately backed off and allowed the Bruins' enforcer to get up with each sending New Year's greetings. Good stuff.

Neither side scored in a tactical first which saw the clubs feel each other out. After the Bruins held a 9-6 SOG edge, the second was all Flyers. They entered riding a four-game win streak, aiming to go five-for-five on a six-game road trip. Like they had in the 6-0 Ranger trouncing, the Flyers played solid in front of Leighton not giving an anemic Boston offense much. If scoring was a strength last year, it's certainly not this time around as they are feeling the effects of no more Phil Kessel and Milan Lucic remains out. So much for making it back for the big game at Fenway.

With the B's unable to mount a consistent attack, the Flyers generated off their forecheck, forcing Team USA selection Tim Thomas to make some good saves. If not for the rating Vezina winner, it might've been ugly. Especially in a period where Philly doubled up Boston in shots (12-6). However, they were only able to beat Thomas once when Danny Syvret got his first NHL goal, giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead at 4:42. Off some nice work by Scott Hartnell and Jeff Carter, Syvret was able to beat the Boston netminder with a low shot through traffic. Leading by one, the Flyers also got the only power play in the first 40 but failed to cash in with Zdeno Chara in the box. There were some close calls but a scrambly Thomas kept them out. His play gave the B's a chance.

Thru two, Claude Julien's guys had totaled just 15 shots. The Flyers themselves had 18 but a cool dozen in the second and were far more aggressive. During intermission, he emphasized one missed chance in particular where Marc Savard passed to Thornton instead of shooting. Apparently, his team got the message quickly testing Leighton early, including a harmless shot from the outside that snuck through his legs and just off the right post. All day, players finished checks giving us the kind of hockey we see in the playoffs. In the third, the intensity picked up with alternate "Let's Go Bruins," and "Let's Go Flyers" chants in the stands. Feeding off the energy, each side came even harder. It opened up as a more desperate home team searched for the equalizer. That led to a couple of odd-man rushes. One in which Carter was set up perfect by Briere but couldn't finish it, narrowly missing wide with Thomas outstretched in the crease. The other was blocked.

With the B's coming close to tying as the minutes got into single digits, it was only a matter of time before they found an opening. With Chara driving the net, they nearly tied it but wound up with a power play when Kimmo Timonen hauled him down. The Flyers killed a good chunk but couldn't hold them off when some great passing allowed Recchi to tie it with 2:18 left. The play was started by Team Canada selection Patrice Bergeron, who dished across for Derek Morris. Morris then worked a textbook give-and-go with David Krejci, before firing a shot pass to Recchi in front for a neat redirect to a thunderous ovation. Tie game!

Urged on by the crowd, the Bruins drew another power play when Briere took down another player with 46 ticks left in regulation. To Philly's credit, they killed it off including the remaining 1:14 when it became 4-on-3. Hell. The Bruins almost turned it over at the blueline for what would've been a clean shorthanded breakaway for Mike Richards. Instead, the teams skated four-on-four each going for broke. The Flyers again came close but Thomas said no.

The winner came when Bergeron spun around Richards and then skated down the left wall before firing in front for Sturm, who deflected it home for his club-leading 14th- touching off a nice celebration that included fireworks. Chara started it, also drawing an assist. Just an outstanding play by Bergeron, who's bounced back in a big way with 11 goals and 20 helpers for a team best 31 points to make Canada. Last year, he returned from a concussion playing in 64 games with eight goals and 31 assists totaling 39 points.

Amazing to think that at only 24, he's already in his sixth season. Bergeron was in the same great '03 class as Team USA's Zach Parise, Carter, Richards, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, MA Fleury, E. Staal, Thomas Vanek, Dion Phaneuf, Dustin Brown, Ryan Kesler, Nathan Horton, Milan Michalek, Brent Seabrook, Ryan Suter, Braydon Coburn and Brent Burns. If you're a Ranger or Islander fan, duck and cover. Bergeron wasn't taken till 45th overall with gems Loui Eriksson and Shea Weber also slipping while somehow Joe Pavelski fell to Round 7. Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom went in the eighth round! Jaroslav Halak in Round 9. Rather than focus on the obvious, it's nice to see Bergeron back healthy and returning to form.

Congrats to the B's on a thrilling comeback that moves them temporarily within three of the Sabres, who also play tonight hosting the Thrashers at the bottom of the hour.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Patrice Bergeron, Bos (assist, 3 SOG, hit, takeaway, 7-10 draws, +1 in 18:05)
2nd Star-Tim Thomas, Bos (24 saves incl.11/12 in 2nd)
1st Star-Marco Sturm, Bos (Winter Classic OT winner, 3 SOG in 17:29)

Fire 'Em All

Fire everyone! I don't care anymore. Funny enough, I voiced my displeasure about this team on our fantasy hockey site, stating hard cold facts about why it sucks to be a Ranger fan. Read if you like. There's no sense in rehashing. Though it was ironic that after a meal at the Play By Play with a buddy, I noticed Slats walking downstairs. Michael asked me why I didn't say anything and I replied:

"I have nothing good to say."

Sometimes, no words speak volumes. I don't have much to say about tonight's 6-0 disgrace to the Flyers. It speaks for itself. How bad was it? Aside from allowing them to do whatever they wanted (Gagne hat trick, Leighton SHO), the lack of effort was so putrid fans started filing out after the first. I decided I wanted to stay to see what would happen. So, when Chad Johnson was thrown to the wolves by Tort, I was already second guessing the move when Brandon Dubinsky made one of the laziest plays ever, allowing Gagne to come in and beat the poor kid just 23 seconds into his first NHL action on you guessed it. His first shot.

This was no time to put such an inexperienced goalie in there. Henrik Lundqvist was hardly at fault for what transpired in a three-goal Flyer first. Even if he probably could've had Danny Briere's goal which made it 2-zip. The first one couldn't have happened to a better guy with Blair Betts returning to MSG where he helped bring respectability back to our franchise. And there was the hard working fourth line PK guy putting home a backhand off a weird bounce which Marc Staal- abysmal all night- totally misplayed. Could care less that it came on the enemy as I cheered. That must've felt sweet.

It would be so easy to use every word imaginative to describe how dead our guys looked. Dubinsky and Staal were brutal. That's supposed to be two of our better guys. Even the Great Gabby suffered. Avery did fight that punk Hartnell but whatever. This was so embarrassing, I headed downstairs after Gagne's second that made it 5-0.

I briefly went into Borders where we'd met Theo Fleury a while back when things were tolerable. How could they not bother to show against a bitter rival following the Islander disappointment? I've seen this before. Every Ranger fan has as part of the worst decade in like ever. There were so many two bit scrubs on those rosters, it's mind boggling. Did it actually happen? I don't know how we put up with it. Guess we're all suckers. No wonder we have gotten rid of so many games this year. You have to at least get some money back.

The lone highlight was talking with four Czechs who were in The Big Apple a third time, finally at their first Ranger game. Boy, you should've seen the looks as this disaster unfolded. I did interview one and will try to have it up at some point. Good stuff too. There also was some pretty gal too in front of me with her lame boyfriend. I bet it was her first game. She at least had beer. This team will drive ya to drink. It's costing between 8.25 and 9.50. I at least had my 9.00 Heineken purchased after I bought the pregame meal.

When we got home basically as the game ended after Gagne completed his natural trick, it said everything. I can't ever recall leaving that early. My brother wanted to go home after the first. There's nothing else. I said on Twitter last night I was sick of this team and wanted to adopt another team the rest of the season. Of course, nobody in our conference.

I'm leaning towards Rangers West the Coyotes because of Prucha, who btw scored his eighth in last night's shootout win won by Korpedo. Phoenix is the polar opposite of us because they put out maximum effort and are out to prove a point. It reminds me of us following the lockout when we were picked dead last and then Jagr guaranteed the playoffs. Renney also restored an identity. That us against the world mentality where everyone rallies can be quite a motivator. Look what's happening in the Desert. Also, Dave Tippet's a good coach and Shane Doan is the most overlooked star in the league. A Flyer fan told me he regretted trading Upshall for Carcillo. Haha. They really do play hard and it would be a great story if they got in.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwooooooooooo!!!!!! Werewolfs of London! Howwwwwwwwwlllllll!!!!!