Former Flyer Roenick lifts Sharks past Flyers in shootout

Former Flyers star Jeremy Roenick made what he expects to be his final game in Philadelphia a memorable one.

Roenick scored the deciding goal in a shootout to give the San Jose Sharks a 7-6 victory over the Flyers on Wednesday night, Philadelphia's season-opening sixth straight loss.

"This most likely will be my last game in this building and it's a nice way to finish," said Roenick, who was a fan favorite with the Flyers when he played in Philadelphia from 2001-2004.

"This city really means a lot to me. I've have a lot of great memories in this building," added Roenick, who received a nice ovation when he was shown on the jumbo screen early in the game.

"That was awesome," he said. "This is one building I'll never forget."

Joe Pavelski, who also scored for San Jose in the shootout, is not surprised that the Sharks have won six of their first seven games.

Pavelski and Roenick both beat Martin Biron to the glove side to help the Sharks salvage the victory after they blow a 6-4 lead in the third period.

"We just have not had any success in the shootout for whatever reason," Flyers coach John Stevens said. "It's a tough way to lose a game."

Philadelphia had a 3-6 record in shootouts last season. Two of Philadelphia's other losses this year have come in overtime.

Joffrey Lupul scored twice and Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Scottie Upshall and Danny Briere added goals for the winless Flyers. Briere tied it with 1:05 left in the third period when he punched the puck past goalie Evgeni Nabokov during a wild power-play scramble in front of the net.

Briere said that the Flyers have to do a better job defensively in front of the goal.

"I don't know what's going on, why they are scoring goals from there" Briere said. "It's disappointing. As a group we need to do a better job clearing the area around the net."