Flyers end preseason with 3-2 loss to Rangers

While the defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks were being stonewalled, 4-1, by Los Angeles Kings rookie goalie Jonathan Bernier in London at the NHL's first-ever league opener in Europe, here in South Philly, the Flyers were closing out another long preseason.

Their five-games-in-seven-nights tour de force ended with a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers at the Wachovia Center. The Flyers open the season Thursday in Calgary.

Exhibitions seldom mean anything, but John Stevens' club was 2-2 with Marty Biron in goal. He has been outstanding, with an 0.90 goals-against average going into last night's finale.

One area of concern for the Flyers is their power play, which finished 28th overall last season. Last night, the power play struggled early but scored twice in the second period.

So which is it going to be this season?

Loose pucks. Steve Downie was sent to the Phantoms. He will play there, only if the AHL decides not to honor the NHL's 20-game suspension. AHL Commissioner Dave Andrews plans to rule on the suspension. On nights when the Flyers play, Downie will be assigned to the Flyers roster to get his suspension in. Those games will count as a cap hit and roster hit. ... Flyers are off today. ... Backup goalie Antero Niittymaki doesn't appear ready for prime time (4.56 GAA, .886). ... Jason Smith had a couple of fights and was acting like a captain. The captaincy decision is expected tomorrow.