Gagne returns to practice

Simon Gagne could be back in the lineup sooner than expected.

Gagne practiced on Monday morning at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J., wearing a yellow jersey to single himself out from the rest of the Flyers' lines. It was his first full practice with the team since he had abdominal surgery on Nov. 2 to strengthen and repair two tears in the abdominus rectus muscle.

Doctors originally predicted that Gagne would be out of the lineup for 6 to 8 weeks.

He started skating on his own two weeks ago when the Flyers started their five-game West Coast road trip. In 9 games this season, Gagne has one goal and 4 assists.

I will get an update from Gagne after practice. As of now, no definitive date has been set for his return.

Earlier on Monday morning, Darroll Powe and Blair Betts - two players that have been out of the lineup with shoulder injuries – skated on a different rink with Flyers assistant coach Joe Mullen. Backup Brian Boucher was also on the ice for some extra work.

Flyers coach John Stevens said that both Scott Hartnell and Kimmo Timonen missed practice as planned "maintenance" days.

Here were the Flyers' lines from practice:

Ross – Carter – Briere
Van Riemsdyk – Richards – Pyorala
Asham – Giroux – Carcillo
Cote / Nodl – Kalinski – Laperriere
Gagne (yellow)

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