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Boynton gives Flyers insurance and a familiar face

Nick Boynton was smiling. Skating around the ice during his first full practice with the Flyers, Boynton was reunited with his first professional coach, Peter Laviolette, for the first time in more than a decade. The two traded a few laughs, reminiscing about old times before getting to work.

"He's a veteran defenseman who has been around," Peter Laviolette said of Nick Boynton. (Mark Humphrey/AP file photo)
"He's a veteran defenseman who has been around," Peter Laviolette said of Nick Boynton. (Mark Humphrey/AP file photo)Read more

Nick Boynton was smiling.

Skating around the ice during his first full practice with the Flyers, Boynton was reunited with his first professional coach, Peter Laviolette, for the first time in more than a decade. The two traded a few laughs, reminiscing about old times before getting to work.

"Knowing a few people, it makes it a little bit easier coming to a brand new team," Boynton said. "Things change over 11 years, but I know what kind of coach he is, and he's a real good coach. We know each other. He's no different."

The Flyers claimed Boynton off waivers from Chicago on Saturday. Laviolette was excited to acquire a veteran defenseman he is not only familiar with, but also one who has Stanley Cup experience. Boynton played three playoff games last season with the Blackhawks, including the clinching Game 6 at the Wells Fargo Center.

"He's a veteran defenseman who has been around and played a lot of games," Laviolette said. "He's a good pickup and adds a lot of depth to our back end."

If all defensemen are healthy, Boynton is the perfect insurance policy in case one of them goes down with an injury.

"It's insurance, it's depth," said Chris Pronger, who has been one of the injured defensemen this season. "Certainly, you need guys like that who have been tested. We all know in the playoffs, there's a lot of injuries, and a lot of things happen. It gives us another piece Peter can put in the lineup."

General manager Paul Holmgren said, "I know Peter talked to him and he said, 'I'm willing to do whatever you guys need, play when you guys need me, and I'll be a good guy if you don't need me,' That's perfect."

Pronger progressing

Skating through a tough, hourlong practice with a throbbing wrist/hand injury, Chris Pronger was encouraged with the results in his first practice since sustaining the injury last Thursday. Pronger said he was still having trouble gripping his stick.

"It was my first practice," Pronger said. "And it feels better than [Sunday]."

If Pronger is unable to play on Thursday - or the Flyers choose to keep him out of the lineup as a precaution - Nick Boynton would take his place.

Betts uncomfortable

Blair Betts, also practicing with the Flyers for the first time since sustaining a finger laceration on Feb. 22, said he was still uncomfortable holding his stick. Betts is cleared for full contact.

"It was a little uncomfortable," Betts said. "We have 2 more days to see improvement. Each day we'll go on the ice and see how it feels."

Carnival success

The attendance at the Flyers Wives' Fight For Lives Carnival on Sunday afternoon topped 10,000, nearly guaranteeing another $1 million raised for the team's charities. It was the largest-attended carnival in the event's history.

"I am amazed each year by how many people show up and how much bigger the carnival keeps getting," Danny Briere said. "It's a great time and opportunity for us, the players, to see our fans from up close and personal and to spend a little time with them."