Flyers to face NHL's top defensive team in Buffalo

When the Flyers play in Buffalo tonight, it will be a matchup of two vastly different teams.

Buffalo is all about defense, the Flyers are all about offense.

Buffalo is the league's stingiest team, allowing just two goals a game. The Flyers lead the NHL with 3.67 goals per game, and have six players in double figures in points, compared with one for Buffalo.

The Flyers, however, will not be meeting the Sabres at an opportune time. Almost half the Flyers are recovering from the flu, and three key players - Danny Briere, Simon Gagne, and Ryan Parent - are sidelined by injuries.

Buffalo (9-2-1) is one of the NHL's most surprising teams. The Sabres have surrendered a league-low 24 goals in 12 games.

Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, who has already notched two shutouts, has been spectacular, compiling a 9-1-1 record, 1.69 goals-against average, and a .941 save percentage.

"He's proven he's one of the upper-echelon goalies in the league," coach John Stevens said after yesterday's practice in Voorhees.

Buffalo has regrouped nicely after a 91-point season in which it missed the playoffs and finished 10th in the Eastern Conference.

"I think the big change in Buffalo this year is their ability to keep the puck out of their net," Stevens said. "They've always been a good offensive team, but this team is maybe more committed to playing defense now than they were in the past, and I think it's showing in their record."

Two flu-stricken Flyers returned to the ice for yesterday's practice, but the team will still be shorthanded tonight.

"The guys looked better today," Stevens said.

Five players missed practice Wednesday because of the flu. Of that group, wingers Dan Carcillo and Arron Asham returned yesterday, while defenseman Matt Carle remained in bed.

"I felt pretty good today," Carcillo said. "We had a hard practice and a good skate, and I think it opened up the lungs a little bit."

Briere (quad) and Parent (groin), each of whom was ill Wednesday, also missed yesterday's practice, but Stevens said it was because of their injuries.

They will not play tonight.

"We have to do much like we did the last few games, use all of our bench and utilize everybody," Stevens said.

Stevens expects Carle, who is off to an outstanding start, to be in tonight's lineup.

If Carle plays, the Flyers won't have to recall a defenseman to be used against the Sabres. The Flyers also play tomorrow night against visiting St. Louis.

Breakaways. Danny Syvret, who also suffered from flu symptoms, and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen are expected to compose the third defensive pairing tonight. Ray Emery (7-3-1), who has a 2.42 GAA and .916 save percentage, will start in goal. Stevens said he wasn't sure who would start tomorrow against the Blues. Brian Boucher could make his second start. . . . Mike Richards leads the Flyers in goals (eight) and points (15); center Tim Connolly is Buffalo's top point producer (11). . . . Scott Hartnell is coming off consecutive three-point games. . . . The Flyers were 4-0 against Buffalo last season. . . . The Flyers are allowing 2.75 goals per game, tied for 11th in the NHL; Buffalo is averaging 2.92 goals a game, 15th in the league.