The Flyers finally converted, exploding for five even-strength goals in 5-on-5 play. Not only did they outhit and outmuscle the hapless Hurricanes in the 6-1 win, but they also outscored them, 5-1, in even-strength play. Prior to that, the Flyers were outscored by their opponents at 5-on-5 by an 18-17 margin.

Even the best special teams in the league can't outweigh poor even-strength play.

Stevens said he didn't notice much of a change in the Flyers' approach or effort, they just executed better than they had on the myriad of chances they had in previous games.

"I think we probably created more in the Washington game [Tuesday] than we did in the Carolina game," Stevens said. "We just didn't finish them off and put them in the net. I think confidence may have a little bit to do with that."

"We've been getting all the chances," Flyers rookie James van Riemsdyk said. "We've just been a little snake-bit around the net, so it was nice to pop a few in there."

The defense played a role in five of the Flyers' six goals. Scott Hartnell deflected in a Chris Pronger shot, David Laliberte pounded in a Ryan Parent rebound, Matt Carle scored on a wrap-around and Braydon Coburn scored twice from the point.

After a three-point effort, Carle is now tied for the team lead in points (12) with Mike Richards, and was tied for third in scoring among defensemen before yesterday's games.

The Flyers got back to fundamentals and were clearly hungrier and grittier around the net. They scored the dirty goals they have been missing.

"You have to go to the net with a purpose," Stevens said.

"We just have to be a little more intense, bear down a little more, and good things will start happening," Hartnell said. "It's a matter of bearing down on our chances. We're right there."

Injury report

"We will put an end to this at some point [today]," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "[Dr. Meyers] has been kept in the loop even though Simon hasn't seen him. There are a couple different ways to go here: surgical and non-surgical. We'll have an answer [today]."

Ryan Parent did not practice yesterday at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees. He reinjured his groin in the second period of Saturday's game and did not play in the third period. That was his first game back since Oct. 19.

"We're going to shut Ryan down for the week," Holmgren said. "He is a little more sore [yesterday] than he was on [Saturday], so we're just going to shut him down."

Danny Briere seems to be closer to returning to the lineup. He tweaked his right groin early last Tuesday in Washington but played through the injury. Briere attempted to practice on Friday but couldn't because of discomfort. He received a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection into the area on Saturday, which is supposed to "enhance healing," Holmgren said.

"Danny is actually doing better," Holmgren said. "Hopefully he'll be able to skate [tomorrow]. It's not in that area [that caused him to miss 53 games last year], that's been cause for concern. It's a tough break for Danny. He had his quickness back. He was playing really well."

Slap shots

For more news and analysis, read Frank Seravalli's blog, Frequent Flyers, at http://go.philly.com/frequentflyers.