Steve Ott got the Sabres on the board halfway into the first period on the power play to gain the early lead. Despite the bad first period, the Flyers began to turn their game around in the beginning of the second.

Sean Couturier tied the game up early in the second and a few minutes later the Flyers were given a power play opportunity. Claude Giroux banked on this by scoring a PP goal to give the Flyers the upper hand. Their lead did not last for long, as Thomas Vanek tied the game for the Sabres at the end of the period with another Sabres power play goal.

Jan 20, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) is screened but watches as Buffalo Sabres center Steve Ott (9) take the puck during the third period at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Flyers 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Sabres dominated in the third period, which became the turning point in the game. Tyler Myers scored another power play goal halfway in, followed by a backhand from Cody Hodgson. The Sabres sealed their win when Bryzgalov was pulled for an extra attacker late in the game. Vanek scored on the empty netter to win the game 2-5 in favor of the Sabres.

The Flyers are not off to a good start in this shortened season. They will also be without Zac Rinaldo who suffered a lower body injury in the game. Tye McGinn will be called up from the Phantoms to fill Rinaldo’s place on the line while he heals.

The Flyers will need to get a win on Tuesday if they want to contend for this year’s cup. It’s going to be a lot harder for the Flyers, as they are a team that particularly thrives on the 82-game season.

May 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Phoenix Coyotes right wing Shane Doan at a press conference after game four in the Western Conference finals of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. The Coyotes defeated the Kings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Up until now, the Shane Doan saga has been a slow one.

The original “decision” was slated to be on July 9th, but with the ownership situation still unresolved in Arizona, Doan has given Phoenix an “extension” of sorts to help them in their efforts of retaining him. In the past few days however, teams interested in Doan have started to surface.

Teams like Detroit and Pittsburgh have been “aggressively” perusing the 35 year old captain, while other teams such as Buffalo and Vancouver have also been heavily involved.

Amongst all the talk surrounding Shane Doan, there may be a dark horse team that could slip through the cracks and acquire his services.

The Philadelphia Flyers.

According to a source very close to the negotiations, Shane Doan has a “definite interest” in Philadelphia.

I asked my source if the Flyers had shown any legit interest in Shane Doan, and about an hour later, I recieved this e-mail.

Yes they have and depending on the outcome of the situation with ownership in AZ Shane has definite interest in Philly.

Shane Doan could fill the offensive void left by Jaromir Jagr after signing a one year, $4.5 million contract with the Dallas Stars. By no means does this news make Doan a Flyer, but it is refreshing to see that the Flyers have inquired about him and are still active in free agency.

My source also went on to tell me that the Flyers have not yet submitted a formal offer to Doan, but they have been in close contact. it appears as though the Flyers are “monitoring” the situation for now to get a feel for what they may have to offer.

I will be sure to keep on top of this situation, and it appears we won’t have to wait a heck of a lot longer before Doan’s decision comes to a head.

Follow me on Twitter @ManayunkMike

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