Six exhibition games, three that matter

Preseason hockey exists to sell tickets and settle the bottom of the roster, and most of it deserves to be ignored. Three of the six Flyers exhibition games do not.

The first, Sept. 22 against New Jersey, is the only preseason game in which the projected starting lineup dresses together. The third, on the road, is the one where the coaching staff has said the last roster spots will be decided.

The sixth, two days before the opener, is the dress rehearsal. If the power play looks like it did in April, the season starts on time. If it looks like it did in January, the season starts with a problem.

Watch those three. Skip the rest. The players would, if they could.