Flyers boost playoff hopes with win over Islanders

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Philadelphia Flyers inched up the playoff ladder with a convincing 4-1 home win over the New York Islanders on Sunday.

Philadelphia's third victory in a row enabled the Flyers to assume sole possession of seventh place in the Eastern Conference. They had been tied with the Boston Bruins.

Philadelphia also moved within two points of the sixth-placed New York Rangers, whom they visit on Tuesday. Only the top eight teams make the post-season.

Martin Biron and Danny Briere both played key roles in the victory over the Islanders.

Biron stopped 32 shots to gain his sixth consecutive win over the New York team. Briere had a three-point game as Philadelphia connected on three powerplay opportunities.

Vaclav Prospal, Briere's linemate, added two points, scoring the Flyers' opening goal off Briere's assist and assisting along with Briere on Scott Hartnell's third-period goal.

Braydon Coburn also scored for Philadelphia.

"Obviously, having the chance to play with Vinny there is a chemistry," Briere told reporters after he and Prospal combined for their ninth goal and 11th assist in 13 games.

"Our line has found some chemistry and it is a lot of fun," Briere added. "Hopefully, we can give our team that little boost to make it into the playoffs."