Flyers Notes

Randy Jones, expected to be on the Flyers' No. 2 defensive pairing this season, will be out longer than expected, general manager Paul Holmgren said last night.

Jones will have surgery on his right hip and will miss 12 to 16 weeks, according to Holmgren. Originally, the Flyers thought Jones would be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

"Tests showed it's a more significant injury than we thought," said Holmgren, adding that he would like to upgrade the defense but that cap issues make it difficult. The Flyers payroll is at about $55.5 million and the cap is $56.7 million.

Downie out

Steve Downie, the Flyers' fourth-line center, missed last night's opener against the New York Rangers because of a strained left knee and was replaced by Jared Ross. Ross, 26, the only U.S.-born player (Huntsville, Ala.) on the Flyers' roster, made his NHL debut. He played last year with the AHL Phantoms and led the club in points (62) and assists (39).

Downie will play tomorrow vs. Montreal, Flyers coach John Stevens said.

Difficult start

The Flyers have a rugged early-season schedule, starting the season against the Rangers, Canadiens, Penguins, Avalanche and Sharks.

"If you get off to a tough start, then you're climbing up a hill all year, and it's not easy," winger Joffrey Lupul said.

Breakaways

Last night marked the 35th anniversary of Kate Smith's appearing live for the first time at the Spectrum and singing "God Bless America," which turned into the club's good-luck charm. The Flyers scored a 2-0 win over Toronto that night. . . . Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who did not wear either team's jersey, received about a 50/50 mix of cheers and boos when she dropped the ceremonial first puck between the Flyers' Mike Richards and the Rangers' Scott Gomez, an Alaska native who gave the Alaska governor a kiss on the cheek. Two hours before the game, Secret Service workers had dogs sniffing around the inside of the Wachovia Center in preparation for Palin's arrival. She planned to sit with Flyers chairman Ed Snider in his box at the start of the game.