Danny Briere returns to Flyers from injury, produces right away
SUNRISE, Fla. - Flyers center Danny Briere, who missed the first four games because of a hairline fracture of his left wrist, made his first appearance of the year Saturday night. He looked in midseason form in the opening period as he set up a goal and continually buzzed around Florida's net.
SUNRISE, Fla. - Flyers center Danny Briere, who missed the first four games because of a hairline fracture of his left wrist, made his first appearance of the year Saturday night.
Before the game, Briere said he had no problems shooting the puck, but faceoffs still gave him difficulties. He began the night at left wing.
Earlier in the day, general manager Paul Holmgren said Briere was "probably a no-go" for Saturday, but Briere apparently talked his way into the lineup. Briere played on a line with center Sean Couturier and right winger Jake Voracek.
After participating in the morning skate, Briere said he "didn't feel that great," but added that his wrist sometimes loosens up during the day.
Knuble returns
Veteran right winger Mike Knuble, who returned to the Flyers by signing a free-agent deal Friday, skated mostly on a line with Brayden Schenn (back from a one-game suspension) and Scott Laughton. Knuble, 40, who wore No. 9, was on the Flyers' second power-play unit.
Laughton staying?
Saturday was Laughton's fifth game with the Flyers. If the center plays his sixth game Sunday against Tampa Bay, the clock will start on his entry-level contract.
Holmgren did not want to comment on the situation Saturday, but he sent Eric Wellwood to the AHL Phantoms.
Breakaways
The Flyers were without Scott Hartnell (broken foot) and Andrej Meszaros (shoulder). . . . Florida was without two topline players who are injured - center Stephen Weiss and former Flyers winger Kris Versteeg.