The Flyers have had some lapses - like the late collapse that wiped out a solid performance in a 3-2 shoot-out loss to Anaheim on Saturday - but the positives have outweighed the negatives in their 3-1-1 start.

Mike Richards leads the NHL with six goals. Chris Pronger (goal, four assists), Kimmo Timonen (goal, four assists), and, surprisingly, Matt Carle (goal, seven assists) have contributed some much-needed offense from the blue line, and Danny Briere (three goals) looks completely healthy after an injury-plagued 2008-09 season.

Jeff Carter (four goals) is showing last year's 46-goal breakout season wasn't a fluke, and the special teams have been excellent. The power play has clicked at a blistering 29 percent (9 for 31), and the penalty-killing unit, aided by newcomer Ian Laperriere, is at 88.9 percent (24 for 27).

On the other hand, Claude Giroux, who has played well, and Simon Gagne are still without a goal. Defenseman Braydon Coburn has struggled, and injuries have sidelined impressive rookie James van Riemsdyk and penalty-killing whiz Blair Betts. Also, opponents have had a face-off advantage in each of the Flyers' five games.

Goaltender Ray Emery (2.75 goals-against average) has been inconsistent. He has shown flashes of brilliance (including his shutout in Carolina, and the first two-plus periods against Anaheim), but surrendered five goals against both Washington and Pittsburgh.

So where does all this leave the Flyers?

Still searching for an identity, but looking much better than at a similar juncture last season, when they started the year 0-3-3.

"When you look at the last few games, it's disappointing," said Pronger, referring to a turnover-plagued 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh and a late 2-0 lead that disappeared in the overtime defeat to Anaheim. "But we've done a lot of really good things and there's certainly no reason to panic. Little things like that can be cleaned up. Being a little sharper and more focused - and make sure there are no shifts off.

"We have to continue to work for 60 minutes and close teams out. When you're up 2-0, you try to make it 3-0. You don't get erratic and careless; you play smart, defensive hockey and, from that, the other teams are going to have to press, and you're going to get turnovers, and you try to go the other way and get goals," Pronger said.

Breakaways. After practicing in Voorhees today, the Flyers will travel to Florida for a bonding camp that leads into Friday's game against the Panthers. . .. The Flyers are hopeful van Riemsdyk, who has missed the last two games because of concussion symptoms, can play Friday. . .. In 5-on-5 situations, the Flyers have been outscored, 9-8. . .. Emery has a 3.86 GAA at home and a 1.00 mark on the road.

Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.