Flyers staying with hot hand in goal

That's why Emery will get tonight's start against visiting Buffalo. Stevens had considered giving Boucher his second start of the season.

"You look at the schedule, and certainly the streak's got something to do with it," a superstitious Stevens said after yesterday's practice in Voorhees.

"You've got to weigh a lot of things, and we've got a lot of hockey coming up - certainly a lot of chances to get Boosh in," he said. "I'm not sure now is the right time. Ray is on a roll and he has been playing well."

Emery has played an integral role as the Flyers have won five straight games. He has compiled a 1.39 goals-against average and .954 save percentage in that span.

For the season, he is among the NHL leaders in wins with 10, goals-against average at 2.18, and save percentage at .924.

"Solid goaltending is the start of anything," defenseman Chris Pronger said when asked about the impetus of the Flyers' longest winning streak since December.

"But we have played very well defensively," he said. "Great work in transition - get the puck up to [the forwards] and allow them to put the puck in the net."

During their streak, the Flyers have outscored their opponents by 23-7, excluding shoot-outs.

Winger Ian Laperriere said he believed "the pride we're taking in our defense" had triggered the streak. "It's a cliché, but offense comes from defense. I think everyone is figuring that out.

"Ray has been great for us. We've scored quite a bit of goals recently, and I honestly believe that comes from our defensive play."

Before their streak, the Flyers were sputtering along with a 5-4-1 record.

"It takes some time to jell; we've had a lot of new faces around here," forward Darroll Powe said. "Finally, everyone is on the same page with systems, and we're working hard and earning our wins."

Powe quietly has emerged in his second NHL season. He has five goals in 15 games. Last year, he had six in 60 games.

"I'm throwing more pucks at the net, and my linemates have been great at giving me the puck and working hard," Powe said. "But mainly I've gotten used to the speed of the game and I'm playing with a little more confidence."

Parent returning. Defenseman Ryan Parent will return to the lineup tonight after missing four games because he aggravated a groin injury. He originally was sidelined for four games before returning for a game.

Parent likely will be paired with Danny Syvret. Oskars Bartulis, who played well in his NHL debut against Ottawa on Thursday, probably will be sent down to the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms. The Flyers sent winger David Laliberte to the Phantoms yesterday. Laliberte had two goals and an assist in four games, filling in admirably for Danny Briere.

Breakaways. Boucher has played in just one of 15 games. "We've got a lot of games coming up, and I'll get my opportunities," he said. "You just have to be ready when your time comes." . . . Entering last night, Matt Carle led the NHL at plus-15 and his defensive partner, Pronger, was third at plus-12. . . . The Flyers are getting balanced scoring. They don't have any of the league's top 26 scorers, but are second in the NHL with an average of 3.67 goals per game. . . . Pronger laughed and said he had "no reaction" to being named the league's nastiest and most intimidating defenseman by the Hockey News. . . . About 1,200 tickets remained for tonight's game.

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