Pronger takes step Wed.
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
Pronger takes step Wed.
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Defenseman Chris Pronger continued to make progress Wednesday as he recovers from a broken right hand.
Pronger skated during pre-practice drills in Voorhees with assistant Joey Mullen and defenseman Oskars Bartulis. He also stickhandled for the first time in about two weeks. (Video of Pronger's workout is embedded below.)
The veteran did not take any shots - albeit tap-ins from in front of the net - and his status is still doubtful for Thursday's playoff opener game against visiting Buffalo. He did not take part in the regular practice.
It will be a game-day decision on whether Pronger plays, GM Paul Holmgren said.
Pronger has not played since a 4-1 win over Edmonton on March 8.
Oddly, captain Mike Richards was given a "maintenance day" and did not practice. Richards told CSN he had a head cold.
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My NHL playoff picks:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Washington over Rangers in five.
Comment: Caps too deep for Callahan-less Rangers.
Flyers over Buffalo in six.
Comment: But if Pronger isn't ready,Sabres will advance.
Pittsburgh over Tampa Bay in seven.
Comment: Goaltending the difference as Penguins survive.
Boston over Montreal in six.
Comment: Defense gives Bruins look of a conference finalist.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Vancouver over Chicago in six.
Comment: Payback time as Canucks oust champs.
San Jose over LA in six.
Comment: Not a choking situation, just that Sharks have dynamic power play.
Detroit over Phoenix in seven.
Comment: Injury-plagued Red Wings find a way.
Nashville over Anaheim in seven. Comment: Upset special as Rinne shows his worth,* * *
Give me your picks....
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Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BroadStBull.
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Getting Pronger back would be huge. I'm concerned about the poor play over the last 5 or 6 weeks, but I'll be a lot more concerned if Pronger can't play.— 1980- Boston over Habs in 5. Tampa over Pens in 7. Washington over Rangers in 5. Flyers over Sabres in 7.
Canucks over Blackhwaks in 5. San Jose over LA in 5. Phoenix over Detroit in 7. Anaheim over Nashville in 6.
Is Zherdev playing ?— debbyt - The heck with hockey picks. The important thing: albeit???
albeit |ôlˈbÄ“-it; al-|
conjunction
although : he was making progress, albeit rather slowly.
The veteran did not take any shots - although tap-ins from in front of the net - ???
— Newtown Squared - Boston in 5, Pens in 6, Flyers in 6, Washington in 6, Canucks in 4, San Jose in 5, Detroit in 6, Anaheim in 6.— HandNik
- @debbyt -- Not to seem too harsh, but your predictions are pointless. If everyone did what you did, the comments section would be painfully boring.— LitoSam
- @LitoSam - almost as pointeless as your post. You are right. Why should people post their predictions just because the columnist asks them to?!
Do us all a favor and just shut up please
- Also don't care about your predictions HandNik.— LitoSam
- No brainer,we'd all rather have #20 in the lineup. But if he can't,regardless of Buffalo's hot play down the stretch,if there's any validity that Flyers were "bored" for the past 2 months,we'reall about to find out. I believe they were,Flyers in 6 w/out Prnger,shorter if with him.— chaliebygolly
- Can't believe that Carchidi thinks this series hinges on Pronger's health. The series hinges on whether the Flyers play physical and forecheck, nothing else. They do that, they win in 5 or 6. Pronger helps, and they will need him eventually, but he has little bearing on who wins this series. Carchidi, really? Do you watch the games or just read the predictions on espn.com?— sla6yer
- Tough series, determination will help push them to the 2nd round. Flyers in 6! Looking for a Rangers win, 2nd round beating if they do!— phillyfan1
- i live in Buffalo and have watched almost every Sabres game this year. The Flyers need to play well down low and pinch in from the point. The Sabres have an unusually difficult time clearing the zone and frequently ice the puck when they get pinned and Ruff is forced to use his timeout. This should play out well for Hartnell, Leino, and others who play well below the goal line.— sbg42
Comment removed.- Rangers in 6, Flyers in 6, Bruins sweep, Lightning in 5.
Canucks sweep, Sharks in 6, Red Wings in 5, Ducks in 7.— broadstreetblogs.com - Capitals in 4, Sabres in 6, Montreal in 6 (upset special), Penguins in 5, Vancouver in 6, Sharks in 4, Phoenix in 6 (upset special) and Ducks in 5.— UncleEddie
- Canucks in 16.— Romus
