The Pursuit of Lappyness: Laperriere ready for Game 4
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
The Pursuit of Lappyness: Laperriere ready for Game 4
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
MONTREAL _ Ian Laperriere, the Flyers' gritty right winger, is expected to return to the lineup Saturday afternoon against Montreal, a club source said Friday.
Laperriere skated on a line with Blair Betts and Darroll Powe at Friday's practice. He has been sidelined since April 22, when he blocked a slap shot against New Jersey and suffered a bruised brain, a broken orbital bone and a concussion. He needed nearly 70 stitches to repair a cut above his right eye.
Jeff Carter, recovering from a broken foot, also skated at Friday's practice and scored on a wraparound goal. He looked to be regaining his form, but is still doubtful for Saturday.
"But you never know," said one club source, smiling coyly.
Laperriere, the Flyers said, has been cleared by a neurologist to play.
"He gives us a veteran presence, and he's very energetic in the locker room and on the ice," said center Danny Briere, who called Laperriere the Flyers' best penalty killer. "...And obviously he's tough to play against."
The Flyers would not allow Laperriere or Carter to talk to the media.
The Flyers have a 2-1 series lead over Montreal in the Eastern Conference finals. Saturday's game is at the Bell Centre at 3 p.m. on NBC.
"you never know"...nice!— theport- Having Laperriere will be huge for the PK because, let's face it, if a Montreal player falls down in the vicinity of any Flyer, a penalty will be called in Game 4. Hopefully, his return will provide an emotional lift.— Snap Crackle Propp
- Flyers should bring back #14 for Game 5 so he can get a huge ovation at home.— BobbyD
- It's all about Lappy!— FlyersFTW
- I'm sure they're healthy enough as hockey players to play but willthey be up to speed. This series is a speed series. We had it the first two games. Habs had it last night. This team jelled without these two guys playing lately. Will the emotional boost getting these two guys back be a plus? Will they be able to keep up or will they get burned and cost us? Anybody?.....Buehller?— Mark1npt
- Lappy was never speed, he provides emotion, grit, and PK. BIG boost from this— robbnthahood
- Lappy, what is he a dog? Call him by his real name. I'm tired of all these stupid nicknames.— neddyflanders
- Definitely will be a huge boost to get Lappy back!! As for Carter, I say wait until game 5. He could use another practice or two to get closer to game shape. Lappy has been practicing a bit longer. And maybe throwing them both in for game 4 might jumble the lines a bit too much all at once...— mcnicham
- Carter will either be back game 4 or game 5. And Lappy is a solid addition back to the line-up. But I'm tired of those morons who call him the "heart and soul" of the team. If a 3rd line player is the heart and soul of a team, then that team has no heart.— PhillyWise
- we don't need carter, but I think Lappy will be a huge boost on defense and the PK. They need to be more physical with Montreal and make them uncomfortable and who better to do that than him. Carter would not help this team at all this round, I think it would just break up the chemistry. Now, if they were to somehow win tomorrow, then I would think about bringing Carter back and maybe putting him on giroux or richards' line, but I would not break the 2nd line up— robm0202
- I think these are reactionary decisions. The team saw a lack of energy that Ian can surely help with, so he's back for #4. I predict that if you see a continued lack of scoring you will see Carter back for #5.— Chutley26
- hate to say this but the flyers were creamed last night...they played with no enthusiasm..they need to get back to hard hits like first game..last 2 games they looked horrible despite winning game #2— patjr
- F*** Yeah!!!! Lappys's Back!!!!— Spuzzz
- and if laperriere or carter are ready as all in the know have said they can be played in a specific role..they will deff play if able...its stupid to say they can hurt team by playing— patjr
stupid nicknames? like what.....NeddyFlanders maybe!
