Flyers fall to Senators

1 The Pessimist — Take away a pair of wins against a pathetic Islanders’ squad and the last time the Flyers topped a formidable foe was with back-to-back wins vs. New Jersey and Los Angeles. Prior to that, the Flyers netted just five goals in five games. Heck, Tiger scores more in a bad month.

2 The Optimist — A 6-2 win, coupled with a resurgence of the power play, might be enough to jump-start a team destined to be packing their bags way before the tax deadline. Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Claude Giroux remembered how to light the lamp as each netted a pair of goals. With the press box filled with scouts, help is on the way.

3 The Realist — One shot on goal during a five-on-three power play in the first period won’t please coach Peter Laviolette. Carter is great when he has the puck, and has a chance to score. When he doesn’t, the energy, effort and heart seem to be missing. Carter, Danny Briere, and Scott Hartnell are a combined minus-11 and appear to forget how to backcheck.