Flyers Notes: Cote, Asham make Flyers debuts

After they were healthy scratches in the first three games, wingers Riley Cote and Arron Asham were in the Flyers' lineup last night against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Cote said he and fourth-line members Dan Carcillo and Ian Laperriere understand their roles.

"Create energy and give the top two lines a break," he said before the game. "We have to go out and keep it simple: Get pucks in deep and kind of wear out their defense . . . so when the goal-scorers come on, they have a worn-out defense."

Asham had been antsy to get into the lineup.

"It's mentally tough," he said of sitting out. "It's frustrating, but the team is winning, so you can't complain about that. If the team is doing well, I'm all for it. I'm not a selfish guy. We're all here for one goal - to win a Stanley Cup - and I'll do whatever it takes."

Defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, known for his physical style of play, was also in the lineup for the first time this season. Tollefsen, who had been bothered by a hip injury, was used on the third defensive pairing with Ryan Parent.

Tollefsen replaced Danny Syvret in last night's lineup.

"We didn't want to keep him out too long," coach John Stevens said. "Danny's come in and done a good job, but we wanted to give [Tollefsen] some time to get him up to speed. He's a physical guy and hard to play against."

As a precaution, rookie James van Riemsdyk did not skate in the morning practice or dress for last night's game. The rookie winger hit his head against the boards in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win against Washington.

"He felt better today; he just didn't feel 100 percent," Stevens said.

Van Riemsdyk said concussion tests were negative, and Stevens said there is a chance he will play tomorrow against visiting Anaheim.

Flyers goalie Ray Emery will give a clinic today for Stephen A. Douglas High students in Philadelphia. The 2:15 p.m. clinic will be held on the corner of Emery Street and Lehigh Avenue.

Chris Pronger will face his former Anaheim teammates tomorrow. . . . Entering last night, the Flyers had a 132-75-30-5 all-time record against the Penguins, including an 89-22-8-2 mark at home. . . . Matt Carle began the night leading NHL defensemen with six points.

- Sam Carchidi