Game 3 Preview: Flyers open at home, look for revenge on Panthers

An embarrassing 7-1 loss is the type of game that should spark a fire in a team. As if any more motivation is needed, the Flyers are coming off a 7-1 loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday and get to face them on Monday night.

This is the home opener for the Flyers, the first chance for fans to see the team in action during this regular season.

This is also a team that needs to be desperate for a win as they continue to try to avoid a slow start.

The opening face-off between the Flyers and Panthers is set for 7:05 p.m.

There isn't much that needs to be said for Saturday's game. Mark Streit scored the Flyers only goal. Steve Mason was given the hook after facing just eight shots and allowing four goals in 6:46.

Mason was expected to be back in goal for the Flyers, but will miss Monday's game due to a personal family issue. Michal Neuvirth gets his first start for the Orange and Black.

The top line of Claude Giroux, Jake Voracek and Michael Raffl has combined for one point — Giroux's assist on Streit's power-play goal on Saturday.

The Panthers should have all sorts of momentum after Saturday's win.

Jaromir Jagr and Reilly Smith scored two goals each. Nick Bjugstad, Jussi Jokinen and Vincent Trocheck also scored goals. Roberto Luongo made 38 saves in the win.

There are no expected changes to the Panthers lineup after a strong debut in Florida.

Game Notes

• Power Play: Flyers (T-7th), Panthers (3rd) 
• Penalty Kill: Flyers (29th), Lightning (T-17th)
• The Flyers suffered a 7-1 loss to the Panthers on Saturday. Jaromir Jagr and Reilly Smith scored two goals each in the win. Mark Streit scored the Flyers lone goal.
• Flyers leaders vs. Panthers
• Matt Read – 13 games, 6 goals, 2 assists, 8 points
• Claude Giroux – 26 games, 6 goals, 10 assists, 16 points
• Wayne Simmonds – 16 games, 2 goals, 5 assists, 7 points
• Michal Neuvirth – 16 games, 3-7-2, 2.82 GAA
• Milestone Watch: Mark Streit needs three points to reach 100 as a Flyer.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Line 1: Michael Raffl-Claude Giroux-Jake Voracek
Line 2: Brayden Schenn-Sean Couturier-Sam Gagner
Line 3: Matt Read-Scott Laughton-Wayne Simmonds
Line 4: Chris VandeVelde-Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Ryan White

D-Pair 1: Nick Schultz-Mark Streit
D-Pair 2: Michael Del Zotto-Evgeny Medvedev
D-Pair 3: Brandon Manning-Radko Gudas
Goalie: Michal Neuvirth

Scratches: Luke Schenn, Vincent Lecavalier, R.J. Umberger

Where to Watch
TV: CSN
Radio: 93.3 WMMR

Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.