Gerber shines, Flyers lose

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The play of Martin Gerber kept the Philadelphia Flyers in contention versus Florida but they couldn’t get one for their number one goaltender.

The only goal of the game was scored 11:44 into the 3rd period by power forward Owen Nolan. Panther’s backup goaltender Donald Choukalos was stellar stopping all 21 shots he faced including 6 by Flyers youngster Igor Grigorenko. Choukalos’ play earned him the second star of the game.

Without the play of Martin Gerber the Flyers would have faced yet another blowout against this high powered Florida Panthers team. Gerber made 38 saves on 39 shots including 11 shots in the 2nd and 21 shots in the 3rd period alone. He kept his team in the game when they looked to be far out. For this he earned the games first star honors. “Gerber was the only player who showed up tonight for us” said Flyers captain Martin Grenier “There is no way we should have lost 1-0 and we were lucky to have him play the way he has so many times this season”.

Darcy Tucker’s first game against his old team wasn’t how he expected it but he did have 27 minutes of ice time and 5 hits. He finished the game even and was key in helping the team go 9 for 9 on the penalty kill.

After yet another poor performance the Flyers coaching staff has decided to sit some of the underachieving players for the next game versus the Boston Bruins this evening. The line of Grigorenko / Polcik / Lundmark / Harrison / Colaiacovo is a combined -57 this season and next game all players but Lundmark will be sitting out, Harrison will miss game due to injury. The Flyers are expected to dress some energy players in hopes of building some momentum during the game and hopefully getting the win. Since last game no one wanted to help Gerber out, Andrew Raycroft will start against his old team.