Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Getting surprising production from their third and fourth lines, the Flyers won their third straight last night, defeating the Buffalo Sabres, 5-2, at the HSBC Arena. The fourth line of Dan Carcillo, Blair Betts and Ian Laperriere was a combined plus-6 before Carcillo's empty-net goal iced it. Carcillo scored his first goal of the season, Betts set up numerous chances and was an effective penalty killer, and Laperriere chipped in with a pair of assists. Third-line winger Darroll Powe made it 4-1 with a goal early in the final period against a shaky Ryan Miller, who had looked like a Vezina Trophy candidate while building a 9-1-1 record before last night. James van Riemsdyk and Chris ..."

Carle battles flu but stays in the lineup

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November 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

"A few hours before last night's game against Buffalo, Matt Carle's voice was hoarse, he sounded ultra-congested and looked pale - the effects of the flu. "I feel a lot better than I look," the Flyers defenseman said. But Carle, saying he was about 90 percent, was in the lineup last night against the Sabres. "The last couple of days have been kind of rough, but I'm fine," he said. "Obviously, missing two days of practice, it will be a little different, but this morning I went out [in practice], and my legs felt good." Carle took a plus-11 rating into last night, placing him first on the Flyers and tied for second in the NHL, behind Pittsburgh defenseman Alex Goligoski, who is plus-14. ..."

Fourth line carries Flyers to win over Sabres

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November 7

Philadelphia Daily News

"Waking up yesterday in Buffalo, Flyers coach John Stevens must have picked up the local newspaper and read the Sabres report. The Buffalo News touted the Sabres as one of the deepest teams in the NHL with their scattered scoring threat. A highly statistical approach, the report said that the Flyers' first two lines accounted for 86 percent of the team's points. That meant that the Flyers' other two lines contributed to only 14 percent of their 72 points. Last night, the Flyers showed why they - and not Buffalo - are one of the deepest teams in the Eastern Conference with a comprehensive 5-2 beating of the Sabres at a sold-out HSBC Arena. Dan Carcillo notched two goals, including an ..."

Emery meshing well with Flyers

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November 7

Buffalo News

"Ray Emery's past is never far away. That was evident Friday morning, when the goaltender was playfully debating the merits of Montreal with Philadelphia Flyers teammate Ian Laperriere. Emery was telling the Montreal native he's a fan of the city, but its residents are staunch isolationists. The goalie said he once asked for directions in French yet still was ignored by the Francophones. "Were you asking directions in your white Hummer?" Laperriere retorted. One of Emery's many transgressions while playing for the Ottawa Senators involved the luxury vehicle. He missed a team flight during a playoff series because he was in an accident on the way to the airport. He was filmed signing ..."

Sabres fall flat, Flyers take advantage

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November 7

Buffalo News

"It's something that hasn't been said often this season, but there was no debate this time. From the crease on out, the Buffalo Sabres were the inferior team. The Philadelphia Flyers halted the feel-good vibe sweeping Sabreland by delivering a one-sided performance Friday night. They were better at every position and skated out of HSBC Arena with a 5-2 victory. "They executed better. They competed harder. They were the better team," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "I can't find any argument against that. They made better plays, had better support. "It's disappointing. ... I'm not going to try to mask it at all. It wasn't a good night for us. It wasn't a good night for most of the team." The ..."

Pronger: Adversity is good for Flyers

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November 6

Camden Courier-Post

"Chris Pronger has not been around the Flyers long enough to accurately predict his team's chances in the Eastern Conference this season, let alone its prospects for a Stanley Cup. But after a dozen games in orange and black, the 35-year-old defenseman is beginning to get a handle on the Flyers' identity are and what they have a chance to become. "Being consistent and coming with the same effort each and every night," Pronger said, when asked to assess the Flyers' 7-4-1 start to the season, which resumes tonight in Buffalo against the surprising Sabres. "We believe we can do that, but we haven't yet. "I think we have a young team that is still trying to find its exact identity, how we're ..."

Flu really bugging the Flyers

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November 6

Philadelphia Daily News

"For the Flyers, yesterday afternoon's short-hop charter flight to Buffalo after practice had to be a little uncomfortable.The problem wasn't the bumpy flight, which was caused by unstable lake-effect snow, hail and rain amid 35-degree temperatures over western New York.The Flyers, instead, had to worry about a different kind of air: The oxygen recirculating in their cabin. On a plane filled with a team ravaged by the flu bug, there undoubtedly were a few nasty germs floating about the Delta-owned Airbus A319.On Wednesday, five players were forced to miss practice because of the epidemic. Yesterday, almost all of those players returned - except for defenseman Matt Carle.Carle, too sick to ..."

Biron-Sabres reunion would fit like a glove

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November 5

Buffalo News

columnist Jerry Sullivan

"Last July, after Martin Biron became a free agent, he drove his wife, Anne Marie, and three children from Philadelphia to Buffalo. Biron got off Interstate 90 at the Pembroke exit so he could take a nice, leisurely drive through the country roads. "We drove down Main Street and got to our house in Clarence," Biron said Wednesday before the Islanders lost to the Sabres, 3-0, at HSBC Arena. Biron made 36 saves. "We told each other it felt like we were coming home." Biron has never really left Buffalo, not in his heart. Maybe that's why the former Sabres goalie got that standing ovation here last month. Fans know he's one of them, a Buffalo guy, an NHL player who came of age here and grew to ..."

Flu leaves Flyers shorthanded at practice

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November 5

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers have been hit by the flu. Hard.Yesterday's practice was shortened because the Flyers are shorthanded. Five players - Matt Carle, Arron Asham, Dan Carcillo, Danny Briere, and Ryan Parent - were absent because of the flu. Assistant coach Joe Mullen also missed practice with the flu.A few other players, including Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere, skated but were still feeling the effects from getting over the illness.The Flyers will play the Sabres in Buffalo tomorrow and then face St. Louis on Saturday at home.Besides the flu, Parent (groin) and Briere (quad) have been out with injuries and don't figure to play tomorrow, coach John Stevens said.The team is also missing Simon Gagne, ..."

Maybe Russia, but not Flyers, for Forsberg

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November 5

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Frank Servalli

"IT'S HARD TO TELL what's more annoying: the Peter Forsberg saga in Europe or the attention that "Jon and Kate Plus 8" is still getting.Both Forsberg and the Gosselins need to go away for a long, long time.Forsberg's name now has run through the hockey-rumor washing machine so many times that people are numb to it. That's sad. Some actually believe that Forsberg's nagging, never-right foot and ankle injury is healed. That's sadder.On Tuesday, news that Forsberg was considering signing with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Kontinental League flew to the hockey world faster than a Chris Pronger slap shot.Forsberg, who is skating for Sweden in Helsinki, Finland, this week in the Karjala Cup, ..."

Flu bug affects Flyers early on

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November 5

Camden Courier-Post

"After seeing a handful of players skip practice and just as many cough their way through, Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger sat down at his locker stall Wednesday, grabbed a blue surgical mask, and began answering questions from a reporter. "Don't get too close," he warned with a laugh. The flu bug that weaved its way through the Flyers dressing room during the second half of last season got off to an early start this year, keeping Danny Briere, Ryan Parent, Matt Carle, Dan Carcillo and Arron Asham, as well as assistant coach Joe Mullen, off the ice Wednesday. Several others, including Ian Laperriere, Jeff Carter and Brian Boucher, dragged themselves through practice. "I'm on the edge of ..."

Flyers' van Riemsdyk making presence felt

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November 4

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers wanted James van Riemsdyk to skip his second season at the University of New Hampshire and turn pro last year. Van Riemsdyk wanted more seasoning and decided to stay in college. One month into his rookie season, the Flyers left winger looks like he made the right choice. With a year to mature physically - and confidence gained from a strong season at New Hampshire - van Riemsdyk has rocketed onto the NHL scene. Entering last night, the Middletown, N.J., native led NHL rookies in points (13) and assists (11). He has collected a point in eight of 10 games, and leads the Flyers in assists. He is third in points and plus-minus rating (plus-6). He has a chance to become the first ..."

Gagne to be sidelined 6-8 weeks

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November 3

Camden Courier-Post

"Simon Gagne and Danny Briere never have played a full season together and this will not be the first. After more than a week of consultations with specialists from Philadelphia and Montreal, Gagne and the Flyers have decided the 29-year-old left wing will undergo surgery today that will sideline him for six to eight weeks. According to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren, Gagne will undergo a procedure in which his rectus abdominus muscle will be reinforced on both sides of his abdomen. During the surgery, Dr. William Meyer will examine the two small hernias that were diagnosed last week and determine if they need repair. The procedure will take place at Hahnemann University Hospital in ..."

Tampa Bay Lightning alarmed after loss to Philadelphia Flyers

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November 3

St. Petersburg Times

"Lightning coach Rick Tocchet wasn't aware his players called a closed-door meeting after Monday's nose-holding 6-2 loss to the Flyers. "Did they have one? Good," he said. "If we have to wait all night for them, we will; whatever it takes." The 10-minute gathering delayed the departure of the team bus from the Wachovia Center a similar amount of time. The message? "We all know we can play better," center Steven Stamkos said. "We've got to play as a team. "We know we can do it. We have the personnel. We have the coaching staff that prepares us for each game. We just have to go out and execute, especially on the road." The road has been a black hole for the Lightning, 4-4-4 but a league-worst ..."

Gagne set for surgery, will miss 6 to 8 weeks

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November 3

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Flyers left winger Simon Gagne will have hernia and abdominal surgery today and will miss six to eight weeks, general manager Paul Holmgren said before last night's game against Tampa Bay.That means Gagne will miss at least the next 20 games.Gagne tried to play through discomfort and managed just one goal in nine games before one ultrasound showed he was suffering from two small hernias.William Meyers will perform the surgery, described by Holmgren as minimally invasive, at Hahnemann University Hospital.After the 2006-07 season, Gagne has had similar hernia and abdominal surgery performed by a different doctor."He had repairs in both of those areas before, so the doctor wants to go through ..."

Richards, Carter pace Flyers in 6-2 victory

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November 3

Philadelphia Inquirer

"With Simon Gagne and Danny Briere sidelined by injuries, the Flyers need others to pick up the scoring slack.In the last two games, that formula has been perfectly executed.Centers Mike Richards and Jeff Carter snapped slumps with two goals apiece, and rookie right winger David Laliberte added his second goal in two games to highlight the Flyers' 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last night at the Wachovia Center.Laliberte became the first Flyer to score in his first two NHL games since Eric Lindros did so in 1992. He also became the fifth Flyer to perform the feat.James van Riemsdyk continued his impressive play as well, contributing three assists and lifting his point total to 13, ..."

Flyers are pests in crease, unnerve Tampa Bay

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November 3

Philadelphia Daily News

"SCOTT HARTNELL knows his bread and butter.If Wayne Gretzky's office was behind the net, the Flyers' perpetual pest has built a home just inches in front of the opposing goalie's crease, and it's paying dividends.Hartnell posted his second consecutive three-point game last night as the Flyers ran over the Tampa Bay Lightning, 6-2, in a special early-evening game at the Wachovia Center to avoid a conflict with Game 5 of the World Series.After struggling in a six-game stretch in which he only posted one assist in the middle of October, Hartnell decided - as did the rest of the Flyers' offense - to get back to basics."I didn't have a great start personally," Hartnell said. "Looking at the ..."

Gagne set for surgery, will miss 6 to 8 weeks

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November 3

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Flyers left winger Simon Gagne will have hernia and abdominal surgery today and will miss six to eight weeks, general manager Paul Holmgren said before last night's game against Tampa Bay. That means Gagne will miss at least the next 20 games. Gagne tried to play through discomfort and managed just one goal in nine games before one ultrasound showed he was suffering from two small hernias. William Meyers will perform the surgery, described by Holmgren as minimally invasive, at Hahnemann University Hospital. After the 2006-07 season, Gagne has had similar hernia and abdominal surgery performed by a different doctor. "He had repairs in both of those areas before, so the doctor wants to go ..."

Surgery to sideline Flyers' Gagne 6-8 weeks

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November 2

NHL.com

"Philadelphia Flyers All-Star left wing Simon Gagne will have surgery Tuesday to repair issues with his abdominal and groin muscles and will miss about 6-8 weeks. Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren confirmed that Gagne, who has missed the last two games with a groin injury, will have a procedure performed to repair the rectus abdominus muscles on each side of his groin area. The surgery will be performed by Dr. William Meyers at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. Meyers is considered an expert in this field. Holmgren said Meyers also will perform a laparoscopic procedure to check the status of a pair of small hernias in his right groin. "Simon is going to have surgery tomorrow ..."

Flyers taking advantage of better even-strength play

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November 2

Philadelphia Daily News

"One thing that has been plaguing the Flyers this season, besides the constant and debilitating string of lower body injuries, was been their 5-on-5, even-strength play.Tied for last with the Islanders in the Atlantic Division, Saturday's game against Carolina was a step in the right direction."We felt, charting the chances for and against, that we were on the verge of something good happening," Flyers coach John Stevens said.The Flyers finally converted, exploding for five even-strength goals in 5-on-5 play. Not only did they outhit and outmuscle the hapless Hurricanes in the 6-1 win, but they also outscored them, 5-1, in even-strength play. Prior to that, the Flyers were outscored by ..."

Primeau: NHL too soft on hit

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November 1

Camden Courier-Post

"Former Flyers captain Keith Primeau has no ax to grind with current Flyers captain Mike Richards. Like most NHL observers, Primeau considers Richards an honest, hard-working player. But as a player who was forced into retirement three years ago because of post-concussion symptoms, Primeau believes the NHL missed an opportunity to send a stern and clear message on blows to the head when Richards escaped disciplinary action for his shoulder-to-the-head hit on Florida Panthers winger David Booth last weekend. "Did anybody sitting there watching that -- no matter who the victim was, or who the perpetrator was -- say (to themselves) "That was an awesome hit?' " Primeau asked the hosts of ..."

Flyers blow past 'Canes

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November 1

Camden Courier-Post

"Flyers coach John Stevens made a statement to his players Wednesday when he stripped them of a scheduled day off and told them they'd keep practicing until they started winning games General manager Paul Holmgren made a statement to them Thursday when he said he did not take losing lightly and wanted to start seeing results in the win column. Saturday, the players made a statement to their coach and general manager -- not to mention 19,076 rowdy fans at the Wachovia Center -- with a lopsided 6-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. Braydon Coburn pulled himself from a slump with two goals, and David Laliberte celebrated his first NHL game with a goal and an assist as the Flyers snapped a ..."

Laliberte makes winning debut with Flyers

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November 1

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Flyers rookie right winger David Laliberte got into the spirit of Halloween today at the Wachovia Center.He came disguised as Danny Briere.Playing in his first NHL game, Laliberte scored on his second shift, lifting a rebound into the net to help the Flyers defeat the Carolina Hurricanes, 6-1, in front of an announced crowd of 19,076.Laliberte, 23, promoted from the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms to replace the injured Briere, added a second-period assist."It's unbelievable. I couldn't sleep last night. I was too excited about this game," said Laliberte, whose mother, father, sister, and girlfriend drove to the game from Montreal. "It's a dream come true. I just worked hard, and the puck came ..."

Flyers storm past 'Canes

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November 1

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Flyers rookie right winger David Laliberte got into the spirit of Halloween yesterday at the Wachovia Center.He came disguised as Danny Briere.Playing in his first NHL game, Laliberte scored on his second shift, lifting a rebound into the net to help the Flyers defeat the Carolina Hurricanes, 6-1, in front of an announced crowd of 19,076.Laliberte, 23, promoted from the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms to replace the injured Briere, added a second-period assist."It's unbelievable. I couldn't sleep last night. I was too excited about this game," said Laliberte, whose mother, father, sister, and girlfriend drove to the game from Montreal. "It's a dream come true. I just worked hard, and the puck ..."

Flyers welcome back ace penalty killer Betts

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October 31

Philadelphia Inquirer

"When defenseman Matt Carle says teammate Blair Betts, the Flyers' fourth-line center and penalty-killing whiz, "adds another defensive dimension," he is not overdosing on hyperbole. With Betts in the lineup, the Flyers are 3-0; without him, they are 2-4-1. So it is with open arms that the Flyers will welcome Betts for today's 1 p.m. game against visiting Carolina. The Blair Betts Project will be back in session. Betts has missed the last seven games with a dislocated right shoulder. "He just adds another defensive dimension for us," Carle said. "He's great on face-offs, and he kind of gives a break to [Mike Richards] and [Jeff Carter] on the penalty kill. "He's responsible defensively, and ..."

Big game for Canes in Philly

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October 31

Raleigh News & Observer

"It won't be the biggest game in town, by any means, but for the Carolina Hurricanes it's by far the most important. The Canes will play the Philadelphia Flyers today at the Wachovia Center, with the puck dropping a little after 1 p.m. About seven hours later, across the street at Citizens Bank Park, will come the first pitch in Game 3 of the World Series between the Phillies and New York Yankees. But Canes coach Paul Maurice doesn't mind being the afternoon matinee, so to speak. "We'd like to be the main show in town, but we're just not yet," he said. "Not a bad way to go. We're coming in undercover." For the Hurricanes, it's not a matter of exposure. It's simply a matter of trying to ..."

Add Briere to Flyers' injury list

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October 31

Camden Courier-Post

"At the same time doctors in Montreal and Philadelphia were differing over how to treat Simon Gagne's two hernias, the Flyers were blindsided by more discouraging injury news. Danny Briere, who missed 53 games last season with repeated groin and abdominal strains, left Friday's practice with what the team is calling a "lower-body injury." Briere suffered an apparent groin strain during the Flyers' 4-2 loss Tuesday night in Washington and sat out Thursday's practice. When he returned to the ice Friday, he left practice with pain believed to be in the same area as last year's surgeries. "It's a tough break for Danny," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren told reporters Friday at the Skate ..."

Flyers welcome back ace penalty killer Betts

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October 31

Philadelphia Inquirer

"When defenseman Matt Carle says teammate Blair Betts, the Flyers' fourth-line center and penalty-killing whiz, "adds another defensive dimension," he is not overdosing on hyperbole.With Betts in the lineup, the Flyers are 3-0; without him, they are 2-4-1.So it is with open arms that the Flyers will welcome Betts for today's 1 p.m. game against visiting Carolina.The Blair Betts Project will be back in session.Betts has missed the last seven games with a dislocated right shoulder."He just adds another defensive dimension for us," Carle said. "He's great on face-offs, and he kind of gives a break to [Mike Richards] and [Jeff Carter] on the penalty kill. "He's responsible defensively, and he ..."

Flyers' Briere sidelined with another groin injury

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October 31

Philadelphia Daily News

"THE FLYERS are dropping like flies.First it was Simon Gagne, who found out while taking an ultrasound on Monday that he has two small hernias in his groin area.Yesterday, it was Danny Briere's turn.Briere has not skated in practice since Tuesday's game in Washington. He has been diagnosed with a slight right groin strain. Briere said he tweaked it in the first period against the Capitals but managed to play through the final two periods."It's a tough break for Danny," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "He was playing well. We thought we'd give him 1 day off and it would get better, and it's kind of gone from there."Briere attempted to skate in yesterday's practice at the Flyers ..."

Briere leaves practice with lower body injury

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October 30

Camden Courier-Post

"Already facing the loss of Simon Gagne, the Flyers saw Danny Briere leave the ice Friday with what appears to be another groin strain. Briere almost certainly will miss Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He missed 53 games last season with a series of groin and abdominal injuries."

How the slash of a skate severed a nose, altered a life

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October 30

Toronto Star

"On Feb. 9, 2008, veteran NHL linesman Pat Dapuzzo suffered career-ending and life-altering injuries when he was accidentally struck in the face by the skate blade of Flyers forward Steve Downie during a game in Philadelphia against the New York Rangers. The damage to Dapuzzo's face and head was far more serious than simply cosmetic. In his own words, as told to writer Christopher Botta of FanHouse.com, the 50-year-old Dapuzzo recounts his memories of the incident, the countless surgeries, the deep depression, the support of the NHL community and his determination to live a normal life again. I don't care how tough you are. I used to think I was pretty tough, that there wasn't anything I ..."

Flyers to have different look vs. Hurricanes

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October 30

Camden Courier-Post

"The Flyers will have a different look at 1 p.m. Saturday, when they hit the ice against Rod Brind'Amour and the Carolina Hurricanes at the Wachovia Center. Left wing Simon Gagne, sidelined indefinitely with two hernias, has been placed on the long-term injury list and will be replaced in the Flyers' lineup with center Blair Betts, who has been out since Oct. 6 with a dislocated shoulder. Ryan Parent, sidelined since Oct. 22 with a groin strain, will also return and take Braydon Coburn's spot on the Flyers' second-defense pairing with veteran Kimmo Timonen, who has a team-worst minus-10 through 10 games. Coburn, who is at minus-9, willto the third pairing with either Danny Syvret or ..."

Flyers lose defenseman Jones to Kings

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October 30

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers tried to push defenseman Randy Jones through reentry waivers, but one of his former coaches wouldn't let it happen. Jones, 28, was claimed yesterday by the Los Angeles Kings, whose head coach, Terry Murray, was a Flyers assistant in charge of the defense when Jones was part of the team. The Kings and Flyers will share Jones' $2.75 million cap hit - $1.375 million apiece. Jones spent parts of five seasons with the Flyers and is in the final year of a two-year, $5.5 million deal. "He certainly would have helped us," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "That's the risk you take, and what are you going to do?" Holmgren said the Flyers had talked to a few other teams to get a ..."

Kings pick up defenseman Randy Jones off waivers

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October 30

Philadelphia Daily News

"WE KNOW THE Flyers are willing to roll the dice.You simply need to glance at the Flyers' net and see Ray Emery to know that. They are never hesitant to spend the money necessary - and bump against the upper limit of the NHL's rigid salary cap - to try to win their first Stanley Cup since 1975.That much is a positive.But the Flyers rolled their first "7" of the season yesterday when they lost defenseman Randy Jones to the Los Angeles Kings on re-entry waivers. It was a significant hit to their chip stack.They now have to eat half of Jones' $2.75 million cap hit, splitting the cost with LA."I knew that teams would have an interest in Randy," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "We ..."

Flyers' Gagne seeks 2d opinion on hernias

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October 29

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers' orthopedic surgeon says Simon Gagne needs surgery to repair a double hernia, but the left winger wants to get a second opinion from his doctor in Montreal today, general manager Paul Holmgren said."Once he sees what's concluded, we'll move forward," Holmgren said yesterday.The Flyers have placed Gagne on the long-term injured list, meaning he must miss at least 10 games and 24 days.In the last four years, Gagne has had three surgeries in the groin and hip area."I don't think it is going to hurt to make sure that we get a second opinion and make sure we all see the same thing in Montreal that we do here in Philly," Gagne said. "We just want to do this to make sure it isn't ..."

Flyers are put through punishing practice

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October 29

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers were supposed to have a day off yesterday.Didn't happen.Unhappy with the team's performance in consecutive losses to San Jose and Washington, coach John Stevens changed plans and put the Flyers through a tough workout at the Skate Zone in Voorhees."It's our own fault," said winger Scott Hartnell, whose team just finished playing four games in a six-night span. "We have to earn our days off."The Flyers are 5-4-1 and have had problems in five-on-five situations - and in surrendering goals late in periods."You have to do whatever is in your power to win games," Stevens said. "We haven't been doing that enough lately, and that's why we are here today to get extra work in and not be ..."

With surgery likely, Flyers place Gagne on IR

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October 29

Philadelphia Daily News

"AFTER THREE surgeries in the same area in 4 years, Simon Gagne wants to get it right.That's why he traveled to Montreal today to get a second opinion on the two small hernias in his groin area that were revealed by an ultrasound Monday.Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren, trainer Jim McCrossin and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Peter DeLuca examined all of Gagne's options yesterday, which DeLuca said included surgery.In visiting with Dr. Rey Brown and Dr. David Mulder in Montreal, Gagne is not looking for an option to avoid surgery; hernias are not something that heal on their own."They need to be fixed," Holmgren said.Instead, the trip is to make sure that everyone is on the same page."I don't ..."

Theodore, Caps defeat Flyers

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October 28

Washington Examiner

"For the second game in a row, the Capitals trailed by two goals and fought back for a victory. That's not the blueprint for coach Bruce Boudreau - at all. But he'll take it. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin - reunited together on the top line - each scored a goal and combined for nine points as Washington rallied for a 4-2 victory at Verizon Center on Tuesday night. It was just another fun chapter in what has become one of the NHL's most entertaining rivalries. "It was very competitive," Boudreau said. "When they outworked us they had a 2-0 lead. I thought the last half of the second [period] we outworked them. We tied it up and got a lucky goal in the third and hung on. But ..."

Capitals' top line puts it together in comeback

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October 28

Washington Post

"Ray Emery knelt on the ice, bowed his head and slumped his shoulders after Alexander Semin's wrist shot beat him over the blocker pad. It's almost as if the Philadelphia Flyers' goalie had just realized there's little the opposition can do when the Washington Capitals put it all together like they did in the third period Tuesday night at Verizon Center. Semin scored the go-ahead goal early in the third, goaltender José Theodore stopped all 20 shots he faced in the period and Alex Ovechkin scored his second goal of the night into an empty net to clinch the Capitals' fifth straight victory, 4-2, before a sellout crowd. "That was two teams that really wanted to win," Coach Bruce Boudreau ..."

Gagne meeting with doctors to discuss options

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October 28

Camden Courier-Post

"The Flyers will determine today whether left wing Simon Gagne will need surgery to repair two small hernias in his right groin area. According to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren, Gagne was examined by Dr. Allan Schurict from Pennsylvania Hospital on Monday and an ultrasound showed the two small hernias. "Our medical staff will meet with Simon (today) to discuss all options," Holmgren said. Gagne, 29, underwent surgery on May 28 to remove bone spurs and adhesions in his right hip. He has been bothered by tightness in his groin since the start of training camp."

Capitals rally to beat Flyers

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October 28

Philadelphia Daily News

"The optimist looks at last night's game, applauds the effort and says the Flyers deserved better after outplaying Washington for all but 10 minutes.The pessimist looks at the game and harps on the breakdowns, the blowing of a two-goal lead and wonders how the Flyers could lose sight of the league's most lethal scorer in Alex Ovechkin with the game on the line.The realist looks at the 4-2 loss to the Capitals at the hostile Verizon Center, considers it two points squandered, and says it's still October.It was the Flyers' first regulation loss in Washington since 2007."I'm happy with the effort but we can't be satisfied with what's going on," Flyers coach John Stevens said. "We're not ..."

Second title is easier, Flyers' '70s champs say

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Stanley Cup-champion Flyers from the mid-1970s can relate as the Phillies try to win their second straight championship.Been there, done that.The Flyers of 1973-74 and 1974-75 were the last of Philadelphia's major sports teams to win back-to-back overall titles.They say winning their second championship was easier than the first. And, with no disrespect to the gifted New York Yankees, they think the Phillies will be more confident and more comfortable the second time around.If you listen to the former Flyers, Phils fans should get ready for another parade down Broad Street."The first one is always the toughest because you don't really know what to expect and don't know how you're going ..."

Gagne has two hernias

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers received bad medical news on Simon Gagne yesterday.An ultrasound exam revealed that the Flyers' left winger is suffering from two small hernias and will be sidelined indefinitely, the team announced.General manager Paul Holmgren said the Flyers' medical staff would meet with Gagne today to "discuss all options." At that point, the Flyers should know how long Gagne will be sidelined.It sounds as if surgery is forthcoming."That's an option. Whether it's the realm we go, I'm not sure," Holmgren said before last night's 4-2 loss to the Capitals.Holmgren said Gagne's hernias were not related to off-season hip surgery or to the groin problems he experienced in the summer. He suffered ..."

More late goals sink Flyers against Caps

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"On a night when they lost on a bizarre goal that deflected off a bewildered defenseman, the Flyers continued a disturbing trend.They failed to score when they were at even strength, allowed two late goals in a period, and dropped a 4-2 decision to the Washington Capitals last night at the Verizon Center.Alexander Semin, who had missed the two previous games because of the flu, snapped a 2-2 tie by firing a shot that caromed off defenseman Kimmo Timonen's knee and changed direction. The puck went into the upper left corner past startled goalie Ray Emery with 14 minutes, 36 seconds left."I don't know what I should do or what I'm doing wrong, but every time something bad happens, I'm on the ..."

Ovechkin and Caps beat Flyers

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Flyers blew a 2-0 lead, failed to connect on a penalty shot and dropped a 4-2 decision to the Washington Capitals tonight at the Verizon Center. Alexander Semin, who missed the previous two games with the flu, snapped a 2-2 tie with 14 minutes, 36 seconds left to spark the Caps. Goalie Jose Theodore made a pad save on Darroll Powe's penalty shot with 13:13 remaining, protecting a 3-2 lead. That made the Flyers 18 for 42 in regular-season penalty shots in the franchise's history. Coincidentally, the Flyers' last penalty-shot goal was scored by Powe, who connected April 4 in Ottawa. Alex Ovechkin scored his second goal of the game, an empty-netter with 46 seconds left, to seal it. Jeff ..."

Unproductive Gagne tested for injuries

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October 27

Philadelphia Inquirer

"The worst start of Simon Gagne's 10-year career may be injury-related.The Flyers' veteran left winger played just one shift in the third period of Sunday's 4-1 loss to San Jose and could miss tonight's game in Washington because of lower-body soreness.Gagne had an ultrasound yesterday to try to find out whether his problem is related to the surgery to his right hip in the off-season, or connected to the groin injury he suffered in the summer and re-aggravated during Team Canada workouts.The results of the test will not be made available until today, the Flyers said.Gagne didn't score in his first seven games and has only one goal for the 5-3-1 Flyers.Coach John Stevens used Gagne sparingly ..."

Ultrasound may reveal root of Gagne's troubles

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October 27

Camden Courier-Post

"Flyers left wing Simon Gagne has been saying for weeks that tightness in his surgically repaired right groin has robbed him of his explosiveness and affected his ability to create offense. All the while, Flyers coach John Stevens and general manager Paul Holmgren insisted Gagne's troubles were more mental than physical, saying he only needed to score a goal or two to get back on track. Tuesday, Stevens and Holmgren acknowledged Gagne has lost some of his explosiveness and sent the 29-year-old forward to a Philadelphia hospital for an ultrasound on his groin area. "I don't think he's 100 percent," said Stevens, who likely will not have Gagne in the lineup when the Flyers visit the ..."

Flyers looking for answers for Gagne's slow start

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October 27

Philadelphia Daily News

"WHEN THERE'S smoke, there's usually fire.Simon Gagne said last week that he didn't feel right on the ice. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said Gagne - who was battling through his longest start to a season without a goal - would be fine once he scored.Gagne did that on Saturday, breaking his seven-game drought.But he still didn't feel right on Sunday, telling the Flyers that he felt he didn't have the "power" to skate.Gagne skated just one shift in the third period of Sunday's 4-1 loss to San Jose and missed practice yesterday."Simon has experienced some lower-body soreness," Holmgren said. "Right now we're not real concerned. He has been going through some issues."Is it related to ..."

Sharks show no weariness in beating Flyers

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October 26

San Jose Mercury News

"Both teams were playing their third game in four nights, though one of them never had to leave its home rink while the other arrived here after stops in Tampa, Fla., and Atlanta. Both teams gave backup goalies their first start of the year, though Philadelphia's Brian Boucher at 32 already has 92 NHL wins — 15 of them, in fact, with San Jose the past two seasons — while the Sharks' Thomas Greiss at 23 was looking for his first. So it's understandable that San Jose was feeling pretty good about punctuating its six-game tour of the Eastern Seaboard with a solid 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers that saw Greiss stop 37 of 38 shots and justify the Sharks' faith in him. "Going home 3-3 ..."

Flyers' Richards not suspended for hit on Florida's Booth

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October 26

Philadelphia Daily News

"It happened in a split second on Saturday night, but the reverberations were felt in the far corners of the hockey world. David Booth's head is probably still feeling them. That's what happens when a questionable hit is made in a physical game with 200-pound players hurling themselves at each other at speeds the same as cars driving on local roads. The blogosphere and Twitter lit up just minutes after Flyers captain Mike Richards blindsided Florida's Booth with 2:55 remaining in the second period of what would become a 5-1 win for the Flyers. Richards skated across the Flyers' zone and leveled Booth after he dished the puck to a teammate. Booth was sent flying in another direction, his ..."

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