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Flyers aim for first win against Sharks

Oct 18, 2008 - 10:06 AM Philadelphia (0-3-1) at San Jose (4-1-0), 10:30 p.m. EDT

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- Surprisingly, the Philadelphia Flyers still are looking for their first victory of the season.

The Flyers hope to finally get into the win column Saturday, when they visit the San Jose Sharks.

After finishing at the bottom of the league in 2006-07, Philadelphia advanced to the Eastern Conference finals last season and was considered by many to be a top contender again this campaign.

But the club has been outscored, 17-10, to start the season and dropped a 5-2 decision on the road against the previously winless Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. The Tampa Bay Lightning (0-2-2) are the only other team in the league yet to win a game.

Philadelphia, which has been without a number of defensemen to start the season, has hurt itself with penalties.

The Flyers committed 12 infractions on Thursday, allowing the Avalanche to go 3-for-11 on the power play. Philadelphia has allowed five man-advantage goals in 27 chances this season.

San Jose had no such trouble getting out of the gate before it was shut out, 4-0, at Anaheim on Friday.

Captain Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo all have gotten off to solid starts for the Sharks with four points apiece.

Simon Gagne, who appeared in just 25 games last season due to concussions, has scored a goal in each of Philadelphia's first four contests in 2008-09.

The Sharks and Flyers clash again at the Wachovia Center on Wednesday.