No Gagne at Practice
Simon Gagne was absent from Flyers practice on Monday.
If you didn't notice Simon Gagne on the ice much in the 3rd period of Sunday night's loss to the Sharks, it's because he wasn't there. He only skated in one shift before sitting on the bench for the rest of the game.
Gagne did not skate in Monday's practice, either.
The Flyers are mum on his injury but say that he is doubtful for Tuesday's game against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in Washington.
Gagne will undergo an ultrasound test Monday afternoon in his hip and groin area to try and pinpoint the discomfort.
"Simon has experienced some lower body soreness," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "Right now we're not real concerned. He has been going through some issues.
"I'm not sure [if it's related to his hip surgery from May 28]. That's what we're trying to get to the bottom of. He just doesn't feel right."
Holmgren also said he "doesn't think anyone is sure" if it is Gagne's groin or hip – or a totally unrelated injury:
Holmgren initially thought that it was a strength issue that plagued Gagne, since he missed time working out this summer with his rehab schedule.
It seemed though that Holmgren was needling at Gagne's toughness and willingness to battle through injuries on Monday. Holmgren said last week that he thinks Gagne needs to score a goal and he will be fine.
Gagne did that on Saturday against the Panthers, breaking his 7-game goal scoring drought – his longest to start a season.
"I look at him sometimes and I think he looks fine," Holmgren said. "For whatever reason, he's got some issues. We're trying to get to the bottom of it.
"I think we've hit a stumbling block here. We need to get to the bottom of it, for Simon's own good and find out where he's at. Hopefully we can find something that's wrong."
With Gagne being out, Flyers coach John Stevens juggled the lines again at practice:
Van Riemsdyk – Carter – Briere
Hartnell – Richards – Pyorala
Carcillo – Giroux – Asham
Cote – Powe – Laperriere
Betts (extra man, still no contact)
Ryan Parent was also on the ice for the first time today with the team. He said he is doubtful for Tuesday's game but he is more likely to play on Saturday, Halloween, against Carolina.
We will have an update on Gagne's ultrasound later today.
Follow Frequent Flyers on Twitter for the latest updates: http://twitter.com/DNFlyers.