Dan McGillis broke Eric Desjardins' six-year run by winning the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers' outstanding defenseman. Entering the game, he was leading the team in hits (273) and shots (197) and was tied for first in power-play points (22). His 49 points represent a huge increase over a year ago, when he finished with 18.
Left winger Simon Gagne and McGillis shared the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy, which is given to the most improved player on the team. It is the only award selected by the players.
Gagne had 27 goals and 56 points entering last night's game even though he missed 12 games with a shoulder injury. He was leading the team in plus/minus ratio (plus 24) and was second in game-winning goals (seven). His 27 goals were second on the team.
Keith Primeau won the Yanick Dupre Memorial Class Guy Award, given by the Professional Hockey Writers Association to the player who exemplifies dignity and character for the sport on and off the ice while maintaining a strong rapport with the media.
A first. Ten-year veteran linesman Jay Sharrers, 33, who had been training in the minors this season as a referee, worked his first NHL game at the First Union Center in that capacity. It is believed that he is the first Jamaican-born referee in league history.
Tocchet's treatment. Right winger Rick Tocchet received the second of three acupuncture treatments yesterday for soreness in his back, groin and left knee.
"It didn't bother me," he said of the needles. "I'll know in a few days if it worked."
Tocchet has been struggling with his game the last couple of weeks.
Last season, center Eric Lindros underwent acupuncture for his concussions and subsequent headaches.
Tim Panaccio's e-mail address is tpanaccio@phillynews.com.
