Flyers Notes: Briere's return brings balance to Flyers' lineup

After missing six games because of a concussion, Flyers center Danny Briere returned to the lineup Tuesday night against the New York Islanders.

Briere, who began the game with 13 goals this season, suffered the concussion Jan. 21 during a 4-1 win in New Jersey.

"Hopefully, I can provide a little spark," Briere said after taking part in Tuesday's morning skate. "It's been a little tough since the [all-star] break, especially at home. I don't like our record at home; it's something we want to improve."

The Flyers took a 12-8-4 home record into the game.

Briere, 34, started the night on a line with Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds, and he received cheers as he stepped onto the ice for his first shift.

Earlier in the day, Briere said that the decision to return was "all up to me" and that he had cleared a baseline test last week. The decision was made after he woke up without any symptoms following a practice Monday in which he absorbed contact.

"It's good to get Danny back in the lineup because it adds more depth and balance to our attack," coach Peter Laviolette said. "It makes it a little more difficult [for opponents] to focus on one player or one line."

Left winger James van Riemsdyk said he has made small strides in his recovery.

Speaking for the first time since he suffered a concussion last month, van Riemsdyk continues to skate with the team, but there is no timetable for his return. He said he sometimes battles headaches.

"Some days are better than others, but not the way I want to feel," van Riemsdyk said. "I'm just trying to take it day-by-day, and that's really all I can do."

Like Briere a couple of weeks ago, van Riemsdyk said he has days when he feels as if he's in a fog.

"It's definitely one of those things where you have to stay in the moment, stay positive, and let the body heal itself," he said.

The Flyers will wear their Winter Classic jerseys Saturday against the Rangers. . . . Milan Jurcina, one of the Islanders' top-hitting defensemen, missed the game with a lacerated elbow.