JVR could replace Jagr on Thurs.
Veteran winger Jaromir Jagr will be sidelined for 7-10 days, so James van Riemsdyk figures to get the call on the top line.
JVR could replace Jagr on Thurs.
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Veteran winger Jaromir Jagr will be sidelined for 7-10 days, so James van Riemsdyk figures to get the call on the top line.
Van Riemsdyk replaced Jagr on that line, with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell, for much of the Flyers' 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Monday in the Winter Classic at Citizens Bank park.
"Obviously you work hard and wait for breaks like that. I think I have good chemistry with G, and Hartsy is obviously a great player, too," van Riemsdyk said after the Flyers' optional practice in Voorhees on Tuesday. "It's definitely something than can help (me)....You don't even have to think when you're playing with these guys. I just get open and (Giroux) is unbelievable at finding guys."
"I thought he showed some jump up there," said coach Peter Laviolette, referring to JVR. "He was more noticeable in his game."
Jagr, 39, is out with a groin injury, the Flyers said. On Monday, Jagr said he injured his calf.
* * *
The cameras that followed the Flyers for HBO's 24/7 are no longer around.
"See how quiet it is. Shhhhhh," Laviolette said.
* * *
Monday's Flyers-Rangers matchup drew a 2.2 overnight TV rating, the lowest of the five Winter Classics. The Flyers and Bruins had an overnight rating of 2.6 in the 2010 Winter Classic.
* * *
Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
* * *
So tired of all the JVR excuses. I know that he was a number 1 pick, but come on, I would much rather have a late round pick that over performs...this undeserved promotion to the top line has to be his LAST chance to perform! Good luck James...we're routing for you but only this one last time— elixmusic- So tired of all the JVR excuses. I know that he was a number 1 pick, but come on, I would much rather have a late round pick that over performs...this undeserved promotion to the top line has to be his LAST chance to perform! Good luck James...we're routing for you but only this one last time— elixmusic
- JVR is 22...sheeesh!— Romus
- Did JVR earn it, no. However, perhaps they are trying to jump start him by putting him on with G. He is a little lost right now in the shuffle.
- I can remember a couple of games toward the end of last year when JVR completely dominated. I haven't seen that intensity in him this year. I think it's obvious he's got a physical problem (hip?) that limits his playing at top level. Without rest, it will not get better, only worse. Hopefully Jagr can heal and back quick. He's a major factor when the that line plays well.— dogman5
- JVR please, He is on the first line so that Giroud can set him up for some goals so he has trade value.— joepir
- I agree with several poster, JVR has been a MAJOR disapointment this season. If he is indeed hurt, then shut him down. He's doing NOTHING for this team right now. Voracek has been equally invisible, so I understand we are not swimming in options....give Matt Read a shot. Giroux makes everyone better, but I think JVR is beyond even Giroux's help right now.— Tar Heel 1
- Voracek would probably be the best bet on that line, as he is the player most like Jagr. But I think JVR will fit well. Don't won't to break up Briere/Simmonds/Read, they seem to be developing some chemistry. Especially Simmonds, who was all over the ice yesterday. May have been the best forward, unfortunately it didn't show up on the score sheet.— vvvmetallicavvv
- jvr = enormous bust. to think, we should've had patrick kane. arggghhh!— kdub13
Briere cannot take the spot on that line because he is a center. we need people to be winning faceoff's on the top 2 lines and the best bet we have is with danny centering the 2nd line. We only have 4 legit centers and they need to used effectively. I really like read with simmonds and danny on the 2nd line. Talbot centering couturier and vorchek, and schenn centering harry Z and zac rinaldo, those are solid combinations but this team is really going to be missing jagr and we need a shutdown defensemen before the season is over if we hope to make a solid cup run. we'll be fine but the playoff's need vertans. Bryz needs more playing time and he will be better- He needs to just get the surgery on his hip and come back when he is healed because if he continues to play like this, i don't see the point of delaying the surgery. he has ben dreadful. Put Briere on the first line- he plays very well with hartnell— debbyt
- JVR has been hampered by different injuries including hip problems. It's not that he isn't trying, give him a break already Sacamano. He was the Flyers best player in the playoffs last season.— BobbyD
- Hes not helping the team by playing hurt if so and how is everyone so sure he is hurt, its just a rumor really. If a report comes out that he is hurt today i would say kudos for toughness but does this automatically give you ice time? Fact of the matter is that our head coach has made it clear through the Goalkeeping situation and HBO's 24/7 that you need to earn your icetime so the question remains how has JVR earned it? I am not and would never critisize him personally, i just dont think he has earned it hurt or not and its clear as day really. No one ever said he wasnt trying. — Bob Sacamano
- BTW i think he is a good player which is why its distressing for most fans to see him underperform. He has the ability to be a stud if he chooses or if the rumored injury wasnt hampering him. — Bob Sacamano
- Much rather see Voracek up there... or Read like everyone already said. JVR looked terrible yesterday and has really looked very average all year.— ragecage22
- JVR, Briere, Voracek, Bryz, take your pick. They have all dissappeared. We really miss Pronger. Some of these players need a kick or a train ticket.— bleedinggreen
- yea, i'd rather see Matt Read. JVR takes more time off than Carter did.— spittooncj
- If we are lead to believe by Laviolette that you must earn your ice time, as evidenced by Bobrovsky starting over Bryzgalov in the winter classic, then in no way has JVR earned a spot on the first line. I havent noticed him in a game for the last month. There are more deserving forwards that should get a chance.— Bob Sacamano
