Defensive battle? Tchah right.

Canes won last night against the slumping Flyers, who have lost a franchise record seven games in a row.

The game was a 2-1 victory, which would suggest a defensive battle.
Tchah right.
The Canes lit Philly up for 17 shots in the second period, 42 total. It is a credit to Antero Niittymaki that the game wasn't a blowout.
And, y'know, the fact that the Canes hit the post several times, including on an empty-net shot.
And, y'know, the fact that the Canes went 0-for-6 on the powerplay. (Or, to put it in a more optimistic, less truthful, light: The Flyers penalty kill was really good.)

Brind'Amour returned for this game, getting a team-high 25 minutes.

Anton Babchuk got the game winning goal, with that killer shot of his.

And Erik Cole got an assist. YaY!

Other news:
Rory Fitzpatrick, the dark-horse write-in vote on the NHL All-Star ticket, is second in the West defensive standings. If you're not certain why you should vote for someone who has a career +/- of -49, just check out the competition in Scott Niedermayer. "Isn't there a better, more hardworking choice?"

Erik Cole stats: 1 assist
On the season: 13 goals, 20 assists