Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A critical four points will be on the line over the next three days as the Flyers play a home-and-home set with their Atlantic Division rival the Devils.  It starts tonight in New Jersey.  The two teams will then skate in South Philadelphia on Friday.

The Flyers will be looking for a second straight win in this first game.  They snapped a three-game losing streak last time out when they beat Buffalo on Sunday night, 3-2.

The Flyers and Devils have matched-up twice this season, with New Jersey grabbing both decisions.  They won 3-0 back on January 22nd and then picked up a 5-3 victory on February 15th.  However, Martin Brodeur was strong in net in both games for New Jersey, and he is out with back issues.  The Devils have been a different team since he has been sidelined, losing seven of nine games.  Look for Johan Hedberg to get the start between the pipes tonight for New Jersey.  Ilya Bryzgalov will start for the Flyers in goal.

The Flyers, with 25 points, are tied with the Islanders for tenth (top eight make the playoffs) in the Eastern Conference.  New Jersey has 29 points and that is good for 7th.

KYW’s Matt Leon spoke with Sam Carchidi, Flyers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about the match-up.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.