The injury bug is biting hard lately, and the Flyers are paying the price. With Derian Hatcher and Braydon Coburn missing a few games and Simon Gagne on the Lindros Watch after sustaining a third concussion this season, it's bad news to see that Joffrey Lupul will be sidelined indefinitely with a high-ankle sprain. Lupul got tangled up by the net in last night's 1-0 loss at Montreal, and after finishing his shift, he didn't return.
Scottie Upshall returned to action after missing time with a similar
sprain, but losing a scoring talent like Lupul so soon after Gagne will likely mean fewer horn blasts and more reliance on defense, which hasn't been the Flyers strong suit so far. If the injuries continue to mount, it will become increasingly
likely the Flyers will have to make one or more moves before the trade
deadline in order to stay in contention. On a positive note, blueliner
Ryan Parent looked good in his third career NHL game last night. The defense overall played well, allowing only one [amazing] goal on just 19 shots by a potent Canadiens team. Their whiny fans must have been happy to see Danny Briere kept off the score sheet, as they continue to rain boos on him every time he touches the puck simply because he is French Canadian and didn't sign with them last summer. I'll give them credit for being loud and on point all game, but Jesus [/berman], get over it...
The Flyers dropped 34 shots on Habs goalie Carey Price (15 in the 3rd period), but he stopped 'em all. Except one, maybe. The team is pissed at a referee's hasty choice to waive off a potential goal, saying the Flyers pushed Price into the net. In any case, it was going to take more than one, and the Flyers couldn't buy a goal despite some huge opportunities. Niitty was no slouch at his end either. Here are the highlights...
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