Losing Danny Briere is going to be tough for the Flyers to overcome.

However, one way they can give it a whirl is by trying to be more defense-oriented.

That's a difficult task, considering the Flyers allowed 29 goals in their first six games.

However, plugging Glen Metropolit into the top line center position between Mike Knuble and Simon Gagne just might turn the trick - at least until Briere returns healthy.

See, Metropolit is a defense first guy who will allow Gagne and Knuble to take a few more chances on the offensive end without having to worry about being the first forward back defensively.

But, he's also a refreshing change of pace in the faceoff circle where the Flyers have been woeful this season. Against New Jersey, Mike Richards only won 39 percent of his draws and Jeff Carter only 31 percent of his.

Meanwhile Metropolit clicked on 57 percent of his draws, and really played strong on the forecheck, especially in the second period of Friday's 6-3 win over the Devils.

"He's got good composure with the puck and he can take pucks down the ice, distribute it and create on the attack, said coach John Stevens. "He did a great job filling in there tonight and his job will be to do the little things well like win faceoffs and kill penalties. I thought he did his job to a tee tonight."

So, until Briere comes back, it'll be Metropolit taking on a bigger responsibility, and a cagey veteran like him should be up for the challenge.