Flyers Notes

DENVER - Right winger Andreas Nodl and diminutive center Jared Ross are hoping their second tour with the Flyers is more productive than the first.

The forwards were recalled from the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms and in the lineup last night against Colorado. Injuries to Blair Betts and Darroll Powe prompted the moves.

"You hate to see guys go down, but we're looking to take advantage of the opportunity and help out the team as much as we can," Ross said before the game.

In 38 games with the Flyers last season, Nodl had one goal and was minus-15. Ross failed to score and was minus-4 in 10 games with the Flyers, though he had a goal against Pittsburgh in the playoffs.

"I feel more comfortable knowing I played last year a few games," said the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Ross, an Alabama native. "The nerves definitely aren't where they were last year."

Last night, Ross centered for the Phantoms Line, which included Nodl and David Laliberte. All three have spent most of the season with the Flyers' AHL affiliate.

Nodl, who was surprised to get the call-up, said that he lost eight pounds because of a strict off-season training program - and that he is a better player than he was last season.

"Last year was kind of an eye-opener for me," he said, adding that the experience made him work harder in the summer and "get in better shape . . . get stronger and shoot the puck more."

The call-ups have a chance to "rise and show the Flyers they're NHL guys and they belong here," winger Ian Laperriere said before the game. "That's the only good thing about injuries - you get a chance to see other guys."

The Flyers have four regulars sidelined by injuries: Simon Gagne, Arron Asham, Powe, and Betts.

Breathing problems

Many of the Flyers said they were having problems breathing because of the high altitude in Denver.

Winger Claude Giroux said the players would need shorter shifts and kidded that he looked as if he had asthma because he was huffing and puffing at the morning skate.

"The air is thin and it's difficult to breathe here," defenseman Chris Pronger said.

Breakaways

Entering last night, no Flyers were among the NHL's top 43 scorers. . . . While in Denver, Laperriere, who was one of Colorado's most popular players, spent time with some of his former Avalanche teammates and visited hospital patients. . . . The Flyers finish their five-game road trip against the New York Islanders tomorrow. Former Flyer Marty Biron began last night with a 2-6-2 record, a 2.85 goals-against average, and a .912 save percentage for the Isles. . . . Winger Riley Cote was a healthy scratch last night. . . . This game marks the only time the Flyers and Avalanche meet this season.

- Sam Carchidi