Ice Hockey: Gagne, Forsberg Career Marks

During the Flyers overtime loss to the Avs, Simon Gagne recorded his 300th point and Peter Forsberg recorded his 800th point

Who would ever think that they would occur in the same game

Wierd things keep happening in Philly. It's a good sign. They've gotta be the cup favorite at this point, and that's WITH injuries.

even though the flyers lead the league in man-games lost due to injury, they are one of the top teams in the league.

I haven't been following the NHL much so far this season. So, explain to me why the Flyers are the favorites so far, even though they are second or third in the overall points? Is it because they haven't had the whole team on the ice this season?

Exactly the reason. You see, they've got some depth. The guys that have filled in have been good. Especially the goalie Antero Nittymaki. I think they'll keep him as the starter even when Esche returns from injury.

Esche is starting tomorrow against the Pens and it also marks the return of Joni Pitkanen who was awesome before his injury. Unfortunately Forsberg will miss another game and now Kim Johnsson is questionable with concussion-like symptoms, when will it end? They're already without Primeau and Desjardins (captain and asst) with concussions. The young guys sure have stepped up though, Nittymaki as mentioned as well as Richards, Carter, Umberger, Eager, and Freddie Meyer and Randy Jones at the blueline. Hopefully Forsberg's injury is minor, they're obviously much better with him in the lineup.

One thing that worries about this team is the upcoming Olympics. They have a lot of good players on their roster which means alot of those players will be representing their countries in next month's Winter Games. I remember the Winter Olympics 4 years ago when the Flyers had an unbelievable first half, then sent half their roster to the Olympics while alot of players were home resting for the second half. I just hope they dont run out of gas again like they did after Salt Lake City in 2002.

It looks like I might be wrong about Esche. Last night the Flyers held on to win 5-4 against the Washington Capitals. Esche made 38 saves. He's been playing good since returning from an injury. Donald Brashear, known more for fighting than finesse, scored a really nice goal too.