Sharks' Manny Malhotra (27) smiles with teammate Jason Demers after scoring a goal. (AP Photo / George Nikitin)
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- Flyers' van Riemsdyk has that winning knack
- Flyers Notes: Pronger and Carle a big plus for Flyers
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Flyers Notes: Pronger and Carle a big plus for Flyers
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Flyers defensive partners Matt Carle and Chris Pronger entered last night ranked Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in the NHL's plus-minus ratings.
Carle was at plus-18, Pronger at plus-14.
"It's kind of a weird statistic," Carle said. "Obviously, you look at guys that have been in the league a long time, and it's consistent with them. Sometimes it's just being at the right place at the right time. I've been fortunate to be with a guy like Pronger, and we've been clicking pretty well."
Carle, who was plus-2 in 72 games with the Flyers last season, is on pace to finish at plus-82.
The Flyers' record is plus-85, set by Mark Howe in 1985-86, and it is the eighth-highest total in NHL history. Bobby Clarke (1975-76) and Brad McCrimmon (1985-86) each had plus-83 seasons for the Flyers.
The NHL single-season record is a ridiculous plus-124 by Bobby Orr in 1970-71.
Carle's best single-season rating was plus-9, and Pronger's was plus-52.
Hot rookie. James van Riemsdyk entered last night with game-winning goals in the Flyers' last three victories - one shy of the recognized NHL record for rookies.
Van Riemsdyk is a candidate to become the first rookie-of-the-year winner in Flyers history.
"A lot of times, if you get a really outstanding rookie, he's on a team that doesn't make the playoffs. You get a young guy who is getting quality, top-notch minutes because the team is trying to get better," coach John Stevens said. ". . . I think James' case this year is a little unusual, where he's coming to a team that's been a playoff team for two years in a row, but through his play - and with [Mike] Knuble and [Joffrey] Lupul moving on, and [Simon] Gagne being hurt - he's worked his way up into the lineup and he's had a big impact."
Van Riemsdyk, who had at least one point in 12 of his first 15 games, was tied for the NHL lead with four winning goals - eight shy of the team record set by Brian Propp in 1982-83 and equaled by Jeff Carter last season.
Breakaways. Simon Gagne's target for returning is late December, general manager Paul Holmgren said. Gagne is recovering from hernia and abdominal surgery. . . . The Flyers face their old friend, Scottie Upshall, and the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at 8. As for who would be his goalie tonight, Stevens said he would "make the decision on the plane" after last night's game in San Jose. . . . Oskars Bartulis has assumed a regular spot in the third defensive pairing. . . . Entering last night, the Flyers ranked second in the NHL for points from their defense (57), trailing only San Jose (59).
Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.
