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Flyers-Sabres could be playoff preview

BUFFALO - A lot of things can change in the final five-plus weeks of the regular season, but tonight's meeting between the Flyers and Buffalo Sabres could be a first-round playoff preview - and a goalie matchup between an Olympic hero (Ryan Miller) and a waiver-wire wonder (Michael Leighton).

The Flyers are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and will face Olympic hero Ryan Miller tonight. (Mike Carlson/AP)
The Flyers are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and will face Olympic hero Ryan Miller tonight. (Mike Carlson/AP)Read more

BUFFALO - A lot of things can change in the final five-plus weeks of the regular season, but tonight's meeting between the Flyers and Buffalo Sabres could be a first-round playoff preview - and a goalie matchup between an Olympic hero (Ryan Miller) and a waiver-wire wonder (Michael Leighton).

Buffalo stands fifth in the Eastern Conference and has 75 points, six more than the sixth-place Flyers.

Despite going 1-6-2 in their last nine games, the Sabres are in position to climb past Ottawa and win the Northeast Division title - and finish as the conference's third seed.

The third and sixth seeds meet in the opening round.

The Flyers are 1-2 against the Sabres this season, including a 5-2 win against Miller and his teammates in Buffalo on Nov. 6.

Miller, who led Team USA to a silver medal in Vancouver, will face the Flyers tonight. He was named the Olympic tournament's MVP after compiling a 1.35 goals-against average in six games.

Because the Flyers are playing 16 games in 27 days, they probably won't be practicing as much during open dates.

They were given an off day yesterday, and had time to reflect on perhaps their worst defensive performance of the season in a 7-4 loss to lowly Florida on Wednesday.

"We have to put this behind us and move on," Leighton said after one of his rare poor performances that night.

In the fight-filled game, the Flyers allowed a season high of 43 shots and numerous odd-man rushes against a team that had lost seven consecutive games and scored two goals or less in 14 straight.

(The Panthers avoided becoming the first NHL team to hit 15 in a row since Montreal in 1939-40.)

"Unacceptable," coach Peter Laviolette said of the Flyers' defensive efforts since the Olympic break.

"Defense is a team sport," Chris Pronger said. "We need everyone working in the same direction to be effective."

Since returning, the Flyers have allowed a total of 81 shots in two games. They surrendered 38 and numerous two-on-one breaks in Tuesday's 7-2 win over Tampa Bay, but their defensive shortcomings were overshadowed by Leighton's brilliant goaltending and a five-goal outburst in the third period.

Defense "should be what we do best," Pronger said. "We're not a run-and-gun team. We get our chances from playing good defense and transition."

The Flyers haven't faced Buffalo since they dropped a 4-2 decision on Nov. 27, when Ian Laperriere was hit in the mouth with the puck and lost seven teeth. He needed nearly 100 stitches.

Buffalo, which has averaged just 2.2 goals in its last 13 games, is hoping the addition of Raffi Torres from Columbus boosts its sagging offense. Tonight will mark the Buffalo debut of Torres, who has 19 goals.

Injuries. Darroll Powe (foot) will skate at this morning's workout, at which point it will be determined if he will play tonight. Powe was replaced Wednesday by the recently acquired Ville Leino, who scored a goal in his Flyers debut.

Oskars Bartulis' groin injury is "much better," but he is doubtful for tonight, general manager Paul Holmgren said. Holmgren added that no date had been set for goalie Ray Emery's hip surgery.

Prospects sign. The Flyers announced the signing of three prospects to contracts that will begin next season. They are forwards Eric Wellwood, Luke Pither, and Shane Harper.

Wellwood has 31 goals and 34 assists for Windsor, and Pither 34 goals and 53 assists for Barrie, in the Ontario Hockey League. Harper has 39 goals and 35 assists for Everett of the Western Hockey League.

Breakaways. Jeff Carter, who has 29 goals, has goals in six straight games, equaling the NHL high this season. He played in his 276th straight contest Wednesday, tying Bobby Clarke for third place in team history. . . . The Flyers' power play is 7 for 16 in the last three games. . . . The Flyers finished 1-3 against Florida. . . . This season, the Flyers have missed 151 games because of injuries. A year ago, they missed 330 for the season.