Flyers, Devils strive to improve on last season

After a dreadful year which included a coaching change, a litany of injuries and only 25 victories, the host Philadelphia Flyers look to trend upward when they open the regular season against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday.

The Flyers brought in 64-year-old coaching veteran John Tortorella toresurrect the franchise. But the task will be difficult since Sean Couturier remains out with a back injury and defenseman Ryan