Flyers Split in DC

Bleary eyed and undaunted after a LONG weekend (that lasted until I put down my last beer at 11:45 last night), I can tell you that I believe there is nothing like NHL playoff hockey for it's sheer drama and intensity.

Jeff Carter and RJ Umberger potted goals and Martin Biron closed all windows and doors, giving the Flyers a 2 - 0 victory down in DC. The win gave the Flyers a split in the first two games of the series. For the next couple of games, matters will be negotiated in South Philly. I can assure you that the Wachovia Center will be rocking on Tuesday and Thursday night.

In both games, the Caps came out buzzing in the first period and in both games, the Flyers not only withstood the fury of the adrenalized Caps, but responded in kind. On Friday, it was Vinny Prospal scoring on what could charitably could be called a soft goal. Yesterday, it was RJ Umberger's semi-breakaway.

You can't feel good about things if you're a Caps fan. The Flyers took the best the Caps had to offer in two games in their barn, and the Caps have held the lead for a grand total of about 12 minutes.

It's hard to overstate how well Martin Biron played yesterday. The Caps had some glorious opportunities, especially in the first period, only to be turned away by the immensely confident Biron. Alexander Semin, especially, must be shaking his head. He hit a cross bar in the first period, then just got flat out robbed by Biron in the second period. I don't think I've seen Biron play that well all season.

On top of everything he did on the ice yesterday, Marty Biron will become a father for the 3rd time today. By the time you have read this, Biron and his wife will have already checked into the hospital, and have probably had another child. Having your wife have a C-section on your off day during the playoffs means you have some big time political capital in your marriage.

Observations:
- Watching Scottie Upshall buzz around in both games makes me even angrier that Stevens has sort of buried Upshall all season.

- Note to RJ Umberger: Hate to break it to you, but you deserve the 4th line assignment you have right now. You are not a top 6 forward on this team. Just get over it.

- Kimmo Timonen. Worth. Every. Penny.

Programming note: Phils post later.