VOORHEES, N.J. -- Despite suffering further injuries with the losses of Danny Briere and Tom Sestito on Thursday, the Flyers are expecting some weekend reinforcements.
After missing Thursdays game against the Buffalo Sabres, both defenseman Andrej Meszaros and forwardJaromir Jagr are expected to return to the Flyers lineup on Saturday to face the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins.
Im feeling better, said Meszaros, who suffered an upper-body injury in practice earlier in the week. I had a good skate today, so well see how it goes tomorrow.
Jagr, who turned 40 on Wednesday, missed the game with what was called the flu. However, the veteran said on Friday after practice that it was more respiratory than anything and hampered his breathing.
When asked if he would return on Saturday, Jagr joked about the team recent spate of injuries, saying, if you can walk, you play.
Despite progress, winger James van Riemsdyks return remains unknown. He has been out of the active lineup since Jan. 12 with a concussion.
Its gotten a little bit better. Well see how I feel, said van Riemsdyk, who admitted to being in a post-concussion haze. You cant predict how youll feel the next day with these things, you wake up and take each day as it comes.
NHL
Practicing without a no-contact jersey and without limiting himself, van Riemsdyk finished Fridays session strong. But will he return on Saturday against the Penguins? The answer will come in the morning.
Im just taking it day-by-day, van Riemsdyk said. Well see about Saturday. Maybe. Well see.
For Briere, the suspected right shoulder injury had him wearing a grey no-contact jersey on Friday, but did not limit his participation. He was unavailable to the media.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com.