Explosive Flyers to face Hedberg

The Flyers are the NHL's most explosive team, averaging a league-best 3.47 goals per game.

Balanced scoring has been the team's trademark as eight players have reached double-figures in goals, including Danny Briere (25), Jeff Carter (20), Claude Giroux (18), Mike Richards (17) and Scott Hartnell (16).

"Obviously, they have a very good lineup; they're very well spread out," said Devils forward Danius Zubrus, a former Flyer. "To me, what stands out since (Peter) Laviolette came there is how much they play in a unit of five, how their gaps are so good."

Added Zubrus, whose team will face the host Flyers Saturday afternoon: "I remember when he was the coach at Carolina and they won the Stanley Cup, and how their D was involved in the play _ keeping the puck in and making smart pinches. Making it a four on three instead of a three on three. . ...This (Flyers) team is like that. They made good reads and really follow up the play. Their D pushes to the net on a three on two. They kind of push the pace and make it a little more difficult" to play against."

* * * *

Goalie Brian Boucher is expected to face the Devils, who, surprisingly, will rest Martin Brodeur and use Johan Hedberg in the nets.

Hedberg hasn't played since he allowed two goals and was pulled in the first period of a 2-1 loss to the Flyers on Jan. 8. Since then, Brodeur has gone on a 4-0-1 run.

* * * *

For complete Flyers updates, follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BroadStBull.

Get exclusive videos and analysis in our new app for iPhone and Android. Download it here.