VOORHEES, N.J. -- Nicklas Grossmann wore a brace on his left knee in Dallas, before he arrived in Philly. Now hell wear two ... for the time being.
The massive Flyers defenseman, who suffered a knee-on-knee hit against Pittsburghs Joe Vitale last Sunday, walked into the dressing room Thursday morning with a new brace for his right knee.
Grossmann, who has not skated with the team since last weekend, remains optimistic hell be ready to go when the playoffs open next week.
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Im pretty used to it, but yeah, well see how that two braces goes, Grossmann kidded. Me and Forrest Gump.
Skating with two braces is no easy trick.
Grossmann wont be in the lineup Thursday when the Flyers host the Buffalo Sabres, who must win to have a chance at making the playoffs.
Although he would like to play in Saturdays finale at Pittsburgh, just to have a primer before the playoffs begin, it likely wont happen.
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Its always nice, but Id rather be healthy for the playoffs and come back and play, he said. Well see. Taking it day-by-day and progressing as much as possible.
Grossmann said when Vitale hit him, he knew it wasnt good.
I just felt right away something was wrong, he said, admitting it could've been worse.
I thought I was past him, but he came in and hit my knee -- stuff that happens. Unfortunately, you never want to be hurt. You want to play. Its a little frustrating.
You learn to do deal with itits part of the game and part of the businessyou learn to make the best of it.
Everything happens so quick out thereit hit the bad spot on knee. Im trying to do whatever I can to come back as fast as possible.
Vitale later decked Danny Briere with an open ice check that makes his status for the start of the playoffs, also questionable.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net