Flyers 3, Maple Leafs 2

(Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

Nothing like going to Toronto to get back to winning.

Mike Richards scored the game-winner, Jeff Carter got me a goal for my fantasy team, and Steve Downie scored his first NHL goal Saturday night as the Flyers beat the Leafs in Toronto. Along the way, Antero Nittymaki saved 54 out of 56 shots, with Mats Sundin the only scorer for Toronto, who are imploding right now. Of course, this being Toronto, the game was not without some controversy. Downie straight up sucker-punched Jason Blake right in the eye, prompting many Torontonians to ask for the death penalty. Derian Hatcher, in a terrible impersonation of a hockey player, somehow found it useful to launch himself into a Maple Leafs player, taking out teammate Joffrey Lupul in the process. Lupul now has a slight concussion and a spinal injury. Seriously...

Downie had a conversation with both Paul Holmgren, Flyers' GM, and Colin Campbell, the NHL commissioner of playing nice, and apparently left with a pretty decent warning. I saw the punch and it came after the linesmen had both players separated. Steve Downie does have talent, and if he ever learned to control some of his temper, could become a decent NHL player. Unfortunately, he isn't at that point yet. Holmgren was more upset that his actions led to a power play for Toronto that resulted in a goal by Sundin. And I have to say, I agree with him. Anytime you put your team at a disadvantage over something stupid like that, you need to step back and think about your actions. I don't want Downie to simply skate away from fights or not protect his teammates (people conveniently forget that Steve went after Blake after he ran Nittymaki). Just show some restraint and some level-headedness next time...

Rumor has it that Nitty is getting the start tonight against Atlanta, though I don't think this is the start of yet another goalie controversy in Philly. Nitty has been playing lights out when he's gotten the chance (see: Panthers, Florida) and they might as well ride a hot goalie for a while. Plus, this could give Martin Biron a nice little break. Lupul, Sami Kapanen, Jason Smith, Simon Gagne, and Scottie Upshall will miss the game with injuries, though Gagne may be back by Thursday against New York...

Time to get two much-needed points on the road. Let's go boys...