They all count from here...

Except for the games against the Pens that is... those count for double.

Yes, it is that time of year! Time to shake the dust from the NHL's preason off of our boots and prepare for another 82 games of fun in the sun! Except for there won't be any sun. It's not good for the sport. See: Phoenix, Tampa, Florida, etc.

Sadly, the Flyers were unable to claim a victory in their final pretend game, a 5-4 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild. What a coincidence that a pretend game ends with a pretend decision. Shootouts are the work of the DEVIL! Heed my words!

The Flyers showed some heart and battled back late in the game to tie it at 4 thanks to another goal from Danny Briere. Very few things excite me more then the prospect of saying I told you so to all those "fans" that bailed on Briere last year after the injuries. Something tells me Danny feels the same way...

Mika Pyorala continued his strong showing with another goal, while Mike Richards added a goal and an assist. The top line looks to be Pyorala, Richie and Simon Gagne, with Claude Giroux floating in and out as need be.

Giroux also netted a goal against the Wild.

Ray Emery pitched another fantastic outing, allowing only one goal on ten shots before getting pulled for current back-up Johan Backlund. Backs wasn't as dominating, getting beaten three times on fourteen shots. He was also beaten three times on four shots in the shootout. Basically, anyone NOT named Petr Sykora scored on him.

The real question here is what the HELL is wrong with Petr Sykora?

Anywho, the team is now done until Friday when they start the season on the road against the Carolina Rod Brind'Amours.... I mean Hurricanes. Should be a good game, as the two teams really had some classic mathces last year. Let's hope that continues and that the orange and black come out on top.

I'll be back later in the week with some final pretend season thoughts.

Player of the Game: Mike Richards (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 shootout goal)