Is tonight the night for payback?
Last week in Uniondale, N.Y., Islander Steve Staios leveled a dubious shot to the head of Max Talbot late in the Flyers 3-2 win over New York.
The Islanders are at the Wells Fargo Center tonight, but Staios is a healthy scratch.
Jody Shelley is expected in the lineup tonight as Zac Rinaldo was among the very last players off the ice at the morning skate.
Back to the hitTalbot went down on the ice, stayed down until the whistle blew, and appeared dazed when helped to the bench.
Staios went to the bench and was seen grinning widely as Talbot tried to compose himself. That more than anything angered the Flyers.
Because it was late in the third period in a one goal game, the Flyers never responded. The Islander defenseman didnt go back on the ice for a shift.
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After the game, the Flyers received some criticism within the media for a lack of response. Neither Shelley nor Rinaldo dressed for that game, so technically, the Flyers didnt have a genuine fighter or agitator in the lineup, anyway.
One member of the Flyers said time and circumstance prevented retribution.
I totally forgot about that, Claude Giroux said this morning. I dont know. Well see. Obviously, us and the Islanders have had a couple games where it gets a little rough. Thats what hockey is all about. Rivalries. Well see.
Several other Flyers said the same thing: they had not even thought about the hit in preparation for this game.
In coach Peter Laivolettes mind, whats foremost here is two points and continuing to build momentum on home ice.
Sergei Bobrovsky, who is 7-0 against the Isles with a 1.86 career goals-against average and .944 save percentage, will go tonight.
Laviolette doesnt want his players looking past this game to two tougher opponents coming up this weekendNew Jersey and Boston.
We talk about a lot of things and Im always concerned how we come out and how we play, Laviolette said. We played pretty good here in our building the last few games and we need to continue to do that.
Thats our priority moreso than our opponents in the future. The topic weve discussed is our home record and making sure win.
The Flyers are 11-6-2 on home ice.
As for another physical game against this team and Staios
You never know whats going to happen, Laviolette said. Im not even sure that player is in the lineup.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net