Flyers in a nose dive?

Flyers roster

More alarming than the current streak is the fact that the Flyers, after reaching the Stanley Cup Finals last season, have a 0-4-1 record against Colorado, New Jersey, Dallas and Detroit. Philadelphia also has a measley .307 winning percentage against teams at .500 or better.

"I wouldn't start jumping off the deep end with what's happened the last three or four games," said team captain Eric Lindros. "It's disappointing. No one likes to lose, especially games we feel we have a chance to win and should win.

The Flyers were built on size. This is supposed to be a hard-hitting team physically dominating their opponents night after night. That hasn't happened very often this season. Philadelphia seems to be playing the opponents style too often, trying for finesse when they should be taking advantage of their size and strength.

"An attitude and identity is something we have to establish," said coach Wayne Cashman. "Because of our size, we have to make it known that this is the way you play against us. We seem to let the other team dictate how we are going to play."

Slap shots
Rick Tocchet of the Phoenix Coyotes was suspended by the NHL for five games for kneeing Detroit's Steve Yzerman...Yzerman is expected to return for Tuesday's game against Florida...Montreal traded RW Valeri Bure to Calgary for D Zarley Zalapski and LW Jonas Hoglund...