Jeff Carter helped the Flyers stay lucky, scoring two goals and handing out one asist in a 3-2 win over the Thrashers in Atlanta on Sunday. Antero Nittymaki made several outstanding saves in net, helping hold off a third period surge from Atlanta.
Philadelphia turned an amazing come back in Boston into a 2-0 weekend road trip. But the Flyers should consider themselves lucky. They fell back into their old habits Sunday, taking way too many penalties that helped the Thrashers back into the game. Atlanta turned three third period penalties into two goals, keeping Flyers' fans on the edge of their seats until the final horn sounded.
Carter continued his season-long hot streak, having a hand in all three Flyers goals. Nittymaki continued his dominance over Atlanta, sending some analysts into goalie controversy conversations.
For now, coach John Stevens seems content sending Marty Biron back out as the starter. But Biron has struggled of late, perhaps still trying to find his legs after dealing with a bad flu bug back in December. Biron will get at least on more chance to reclaim his role, but look for Stevens to have less patience. Nittymaki has looked strong, and the Flyers need the consistency as they get set for a play off run.
The Flyers will take on Ottawa on Thursday night at the Wachovia Center. They look to pile up some points with four of their next five games on home ice. Look for Biron to be back in net, hopefully joined by captain Mike Richards and Scottie Upshall, who sat out last weekend's games with the flu. Look for a rested and healthy Flyers team to go on a run in the next two weeks.
Keywords: Antero Nittymaki, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, Jeff Carter, John Stevens, Marty Biron, Mike Richards, Ottowa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Scottie Upshall
