Briere returning; JVR speaks
After missing six games because of a concussion, Flyers center Danny Briere will return to the lineup Tuesday against the visiting Islanders.
Briere returning; JVR speaks
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
After missing six games because of a concussion, Flyers center Danny Briere will return to the lineup Tuesday against the visiting Islanders.
Winger James van Riemsdyk spoke Tuesday for the first time since suffering a concussion and said he is still dealing with headaches.
Ilya Bryzgalov (19-11-5, 2.86 GAA, .899 save percentage) will start against the Isles, who will go with Evgeni Nabokov (11-12, 2.31, .920).
Briere, who has 13 goals and 17 assists, suffered a concussion Jan. 21 during a 4-1 win in New Jersey.
“Hopefully I can provide a little spark,” Briere said after taking part in Tuesday’s morning skate. “It’s been a little tough since the break, especially at home. I don’t like our record at home; it’s something we want to improve. Hopefully, I can come in and help in that department.”
Overall, the Flyers are 12-8-4 at home.
Briere, 34, said the decision to return was “all up to me” and that he cleared a baseline test last week. The decision was made after he woke up without any symptoms following a practice Monday in which he absorbed contact.
“It’s good to get Danny back in the lineup because it adds more depth and balance to our attack up front,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “It makes it a little more difficult (for opponents) to focus on one player or one line.”
As for van Riemsdyk, he said he was making small strides in his recovery.
“Some days are better than others, but not the way I want to feel,” van Riemsdyk said. “I’m just trying to take it day by day, and that’s really all I can do.”
Like Briere a couple weeks ago, van Riemsdyk said there have been days when he has felt in a fog.
“It’s definitely one of those things where you have to stay in the moment, stay positive and let the body heal itself up.”
He said he didn’t talk to the media until Tuesday because his symptoms were changing daily. The left winger said he didn’t want to “place expectations on when I want to be back. I just want to heal and be good” to go.
Added JVR: "I guess if I do look at now vs. when I first started (rehabbing), I do feel a little bit better, so that's obviously encouraging, but it's been a slow process. Hopefully, it starts to progress."
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Here is how the lines may look tonight:
Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr; Read-Briere-Voracek; Talbot-Schenn-Simmonds; Sestito-Couturier-Rinaldo.
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Breakaways. Milan Jurcina, one of the Isles' top-hitting defensemen, will miss the game with a lacerated elbow.....The Isles are 10-11-3 on the road, including a 4-1 win over the Flyers last month.
welcome back danny. hoping you jump right back in. we need your veteran leadership and crafty goal scoring desperately.— The Boston Strangler- The good thing for JVR is at least he is skating, could really use him at this point. Kind of gives you an insight on how this club would look without him say a trade for him and Schenn. On that note, I watched the Toronto game last night and I didnt see anything to eye popping from Luke Schenn. Looks like a solid kid who needs some work so I think if Burke wanted JVR Flyers would need Schenn and a prospect back. Definately wouldnt do a straight up trade.— shanehockey28
- How many more games does Bryz have to cost us before we decide to let Bob carry the team?— philharmonic55
- and how many times does Bob falter before we decide Bob can't carry the team either?— potus
Bob is no better and probably even a bit worse than Bryz against good teams. The goaltending is very bad given what this team pays for it, but the defensive breakdowns/turnovers and failure to hold the blueline and clear the crease are what's killing this team. Teams aren't paying a physical price for gaining the Flyers' blueline, and until that changes, the result won't, and the goaltenders are going to keep getting burned. Watch the Bruins and Rangers for examples of this.- I, for one, had high hopes going into this season. This team does not block shots like the old days. Hope this isn't a wasted season. Pronger is done...period. Trade JVR and Schenn for a top D-man before its too late...there is still time to right this high scoring ship.
- You just said trade jvr and schenn for a top D-man, HAAA!!!! Let me know who? dumb comment. there are no #1-2 dman out there...... Why dont we also trade desean/maclin for calvin johnson too.— fman727
- If Bryz faults tonight, you might not see him again for awhile. I think it's good he goes back in and see if he can bounce back..but if he let's up soft goals again, something must be done...don't know what that is, but something has to give.— FLYGUY31
Comment removed.- Think of a better trade for jvr... like jvr, carle for jack johnson and something. Carle isnt back next year.— fman727
- Why are we not looking to acquire Ruutu? I hate forwards that are tough, play defense, and can score.....Ed Snider.
They are projecting a pick or a prospect for him? that is nothing. Make a combo deal with him a Bryan Allen for JVR and a #2.— dave1walsh 
Bryz needs to make sure the net is not humongous big for the Isles.— jp8899- Nobody would want JVR with a concussion. We would get almost nothing for him now. Just got to play out season and see what happens. Nobody is expecting a Stanley Cup these season anyway. At least we know the Universe is big and we are small, so it's not a total loss.— neddyflanders
I cannot understand how Lavi handles the goalies. Bryzgalov had played very well against New Jersey, beating them several times and even shutting them out once...So the coach starts Bobrovsky. Sergie has played well against the Isles, stealing several games earlier this year...So Lavi goes with Bryz...
