Meszaros skates; Grossmann back for Game 1?

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VOORHEES, N.J -- While defenseman Nicklas Grossmann, recovering from a concussion, skated on his own Tuesday, fellow defenseman Andrej Meszaros semi-practiced with the team.

Meszaros is recovering from herniated disk surgery to his back. He had not been on the ice with his teammates since injuring his lower back March 1 against the Islanders.

Meszaros wore a no contact jersey. He participated in some, but not all drills. He is being worked slowly back into a routine.

The Flyers have been dead silent on his status, but according to one person familiar with his situation, as of last week, Meszaros was approximately three weeks away from playing again. The original time line for Meszaros' return was 6-8 weeks. It's been four now so, the very end of the second round or early third would be six plus weeks.

At this point, that would make it about two weeks. Which would indicate a return at the very end of the second round or the start of the Eastern Conference finals -- if the Flyers get that far.

Im really encouraged, coach Peter Laviolette said of Meszaros rejoining the squad. Hes a really big part of our team. Any time you get a player back and he starts practicing, that is a positive.

As for Grossmann, the NHLs unofficial protocol for a confirmed concussion is seven days away from play. Thats the guideline most neurologists use unless there have been multiple concussions leading to post-concussion syndrome, where there are not set time frames.

Grossmann hasnt played since Game 4 (April 18) of the first round. By the time the second round begins sometime this weekend, he would be well past the seven-day period.

In other words, barring a relapse or any kind of post-concussion symptoms, Grossmann should be back for Game 1 of the conference semi-finals.

E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net

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