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Flyers seek dramatic turnaround vs. Lightning

Oct 19, 2006 - 1:07 PM Philadelphia (1-4-1) at Tampa Bay (2-4-0) 7:30 pm EDT

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) - After one of the most embarrassing losses in franchise history, the Philadelphia Flyers have begun to clean house.

The Flyers are expected to debut three new players when they attempt to post their second win of the campaign Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tied with the Boston Bruins for the fewest points in the Eastern Conference with three, Philadelphia comes off a devastating 9-1 loss to the undefeated Buffalo Sabres. The Flyers have been outscored this season, 26-12.

Philadelphia waived center Petr Nedved, defenseman Nolan Baumgartner and left wing Niko Dimitrakos on Wednesday after they combined for just one point in 14 games. The Flyers replaced them with right wing Stefan Ruzicka, defenseman Alexandre Picard and left wing Ben Eager.

Tampa Bay snapped a three-game losing streak with Saturday's win over the Florida Panthers before suffering a 5-1 defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Monday.

Nikita Alexeev scored his first goal of the season for the Lightning, who surrendered five consecutive goals, including three on the power play. Tampa Bay lost despite a 16-4 edge in shots on goal in the third period en route to a 35-23 advantage.

The Lightning won all four meetings against the Flyers last season, outscoring them, 21-7.