Peter Laviolette is in his second season as Flyers' head coach. He has earned the right to be called one of NHL's top bench-bosses. His strategy seems to work and his Flyers are very dangerous at Wells Fargo Center.

Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Islanders

Peter Laviolette is entering his second season as Flyers head coach. He has earned the right to be called one of the NHL's top bench bosses. His system works and the Flyers are very dangerous at Wells Fargo Center. The team, on paper, is one of the best the Flyers have had in a very long time and they should be among the favorites to win the Cup. There are the leadership and talent. With the addition of Adrej Meszaros, the Flyers defense is one of the best in the Eastern Conference. But as it always is in this town, it comes down to the goaltending, and Brian Boucher is not exactly the best person to calm their fears.

The 2009-10 season was one to forget for Islanders fans as they finished in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.  But there are two positive things for them. The first is young John Tavares.  The sniper set the record for goals in an OHL career, and was the number one pick in the 2009 draft.  The second is general manager Garth Snow’s work.  Last off-season he added Dwayne Roloson to his stable of goalies. I think the playoffs will be out of question, but this season should be a step in the right direction.

• The Flyers are favorites for this game. It should be convincing home win. Odds at 1.90 at Bwin.