1 Dynamic duo — No matter how hard they try, the Flyers can’t seem to shut down Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. In 29 games, Crosby has 22 goals and 50 points. Malkin has 15 goals and 36 points in 24 games. Crosby’s career average of 1.7 points per game against the Flyers is more than noted Philly killers, such as Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy and Bobby Orr.
2 Boxed in — More undisciplined penalties, more man-advantage goals. The penalty-killing units are struggling at 70.6 percent. The Flyers might actually stay in the game, if they can stay out of the penalty box.
3 By the numbers — Danny Briere (minus-9), Jeff Carter (minus-4) and Scott Hartnell (minus-4) need to realize there are two ends of the ice. Remember, the Flyers gave up just one shorthanded goal last season. They’ve already given up six in 33 games, the most in the NHL. The Flyers can’t keep up either trend and expect to be playing in May. Do it early and often — the Flyers are 3-17 when tied or trailing after the second period.
