It could be a flip-flop for the Flyers.
Jaromir Jagr, who was said to be pretty much out for Thursday nights game against Florida, now remains a possibility, while Jakub Voracek, who felt pretty good on Wednesday, is out.
Voracek is under a concussion watch and had to pass a baseline test to play. The Flyers gave no medical update, but the assumption is he may have some concussion symptoms.
Jagr (hip injury), who had a long conversation with coach Peter Laviolette on the ice at the morning skate, said his decision to play will come later.
I dont know anything right now, said Jagr, who wasnt moving very fast on the ice. Ill let you know later. I felt good. Better than I thought.
Given hes 40 and has had numerous groin issues this season, it wouldnt surprise if Jagr sat out the game a precaution.
The Flyers recalled Harry Zolnierczyk to take his spot (see story), if necessary.
NHL
When you are talking about players who have been dealing with minors bumps or bruises, there are always conversations to make good decisions, Laviolette said of Jagr. Well make those decisions and put the lineup that is best.
Whether Jagr feels he can be effective will play a determining factor.
Now, given the team also called up Phantoms defenseman Brandon Manning, you have to assume someone other than Kimmo Timonen and Andrej Meszaros -- who are already out -- must be hurting on the blue line.
When asked whether Manning was a depth player tonight, Laviolette replied, Hes a young player at this point.
I havent see a lot of him, Laviolette added. He missed training camp. I havent seen him up here yet and I dont get to see the guys in the minors that much. Hes a good two-way defenseman who plays with some grit, plays with an edge.
Manning had hip surgery prior to training camp and groinabdominal surgery last April, which put him at the rear of the Flyers pack of defensive prospects.
Anytime it's your first call-up, you're going to be surprised, Manning said. I know the back end's been hurting for awhile, so it's a possibility and I've been doing what I can do to get ready and hopefully get the call.
Asked whether he was playing, Manning replied, It's kind of undecided right now. I'm just kind of waiting to hear how the other guys are doing and we'll go from there.
Loose pucks
Wondering about other Phantoms defensemen? Marc-Andre Bourdon has concussion symptoms but has passed every testOskars Bartulis has a confirmed concussion. Hence, Manning gets called up over them. ... James van Riemsdyk's surgery to repair a left foot fracture today "went well," GM Paul Holmgren said.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net