Andrej Meszaros skated with the Flyers regulars Saturday at Skate Zone in practice once again, and even took some regular shifts with Andreas Lilja.
That said, there appears to be zero chance the Flyers defenseman will play in Game 4. Listening to Meszaros, it is plainly evident he is not comfortable that his back is fully healed.
He had herniated disk surgery on March 21. The recovery period was 6-8 weeks. Its been six weeks and three days now, but Meszaros doesnt sound as if he is mentally or physically ready to take contact.
You want to help the team, but on the other hand, you dont want to overdo it, Meszaros said. I hope I still have the next 15 years in the NHL.
Its different. Sometimes its a tough decision. Well see how it goes over the next few days. You dont want to risk it. Back surgery is tough. Itd different from a broken hand or finger.
Back heals with muscles and tissues. The back is very different. Theres not a lot you can do about it.
He said he has had good and bad days.
NHL
It depends on the day, what I do before, he said. If I do a lot, I'm a little sore. If I don't, I'm not. Tough to say. Every day is different. If I have a day off, I feel great. If I don't, I'm a little sore. Depends what I do.
Meszaros admitted he doesnt want any setbacks.
That's what I'm afraid of, Meszaros said. If you put pressure on it, obviously I want to play, but it's hard out there sometimes when you don't feel comfortable.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net