Pick a number any number.

With the race in the East so tight, and so many things uncertain at this point the Flyers can keep only one thing in mind. They have to win games. This is not the time of the year to be watching the out of town scoreboards because, honestly, it doesn't matter.

After being dismantled by the Penguins the team seems to have rebounded quite nicely. In their last 3 games the team has managed to get 6 points. In 2 of the 3 games they looked like the team they should have: a playoff team beating a much weaker, less talented, and less driven opponent. The other win was a highly entertaining, edge of your seat, see-saw battler with the Broadway Blue Shirts. A game that was suprisingly decided, in the shootout, with a Flyers win.

Stevens, finally, seems to have his lineup together. This, of course, is until injured players return. With Umberger out of the lineup Thoreson has been proving his worth. So much so, he is now a roster spot ahead of Downie. Stevens also seems to be gaining more and more confidence in him as well putting him out there in key situations, such as the PK. He has also been getting big minutes playing along side of one of the biggest difference makers on the team this year, Mike Richards. For all the blind faith Downie fans, don't worry, he will be a Flyer next season full time. One offseason with a strength and training coach toppled with a skating coach and he will be a force. You can't teach the natural ability and instict Downie has, but he needs to catch up to the NHL game . . . literally.

Heading into the stretch Biron seems to have refocused himself and returned to the level of play he displayed in the first month of the season. We can say this may have come a week or so too late considering the games we lost due to soft goals, but I say we call it perfect timing because after all we are still in the playoff stretch.

This is a streak of 3 nice games put together, the most recent being the most complete and convincing of all the efforts. All aspects of the game were supported with solid responsible play and the team played a full 60. This was another great step and confidence booster for a young team at the right time. This is the play and attitude that should be carried directly into the playoffs.

On a side note, lets hope the bargain bin of upcoming FA's are a little more exciting. This current Isles team is an absolute bore.