JVR getting 'close;' Sestito making strides
Philadelphia Flyers news on Philly.com
JVR getting 'close;' Sestito making strides
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
For the first time since they had surgeries, Flyers wingers James van Riemsdyk and Tom Sestito skated with the team at a practice Saturday in Voorhees.
Van Riemsdyk, who had surgery March 6 to repair a broken bone in his left foot, said he would not be able to play in Sunday's playoff game against Pittsburgh, but that he was getting "close." He wore a protective skate guard at practice.
Van Riemsdyk, 22, has been skating for nearly a week.
"You just want to get to the point where you can contribute out there," he said. "It's one of those things where it's tough to jump in at this time of year, but the team has been doing a great job. I'm just doing what I can to stay positive and be a good team guy and be a good cheerleader right now _ and focus on getting myself healthy and back into the lineup."
Watching the Flyers register comeback wins in the first two games of the series against the Penguins, van Riemsdyk said, has been uplifting.
"It's incredible the character we have in the room. Guys never quit," he said. "We have a great group of guys here; everyone plays for each other, and I think that's huge. The camaraderie we have is second to none, and I think that helps us dig out of the tough spots we're in."
Van Riemsdyk, who had seven goals in last year's 11 playoff games, said it has been "pretty brutal sitting at home by yourself without the guys when they're on the road and playing all these exciting games. I'd do anything to be out there with them."
He called Saturday's practice "a step in the right direction...I just have to keep building off that and go from there."
When JVR is able to return, coach Peter Laviolette will have to decide whether to insert him into the lineup and break up the team's chemistry, or have him sit for a while longer.
Zac Rinaldo is the most likely candidate to be benched when Van riemsdyk returns.
As for Sestito, who is recovering from groin surgery, he seems at least 10 days away from being ready to play, though he will have a difficult time cracking the lineup. He will visit a doctor Monday and get a better idea on the time frame, and he said he was experiencing some minor pain and was about 80 percent healthy.
Fun fact: As Adam Kimelman of NHL.com noted, eight of the Flyers' 12 goals in the series have been scored by players who live with Danny Briere, or used to reside with him in Haddonfield. Sean Couturier (three goals) lives with Briere (two), and Claude Giroux (three) lived there last year.
Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
"a borken bone" "geeting close"......jeez Sam it's only about 50 words.......please spell check....it's embarrasing!— ghostmarine- Why are there so many literary critics around? Come on, it's a free site and we're lucky to have philly.com. It's hard to write a new fresh article every day and have every one of them come out a pearl.
— NHLfan - So, what does "logic dictate" on this one Sam? 4-1 Pens win? Oh, wait, talking about JVR. Sorry.— Ump Al
- "playoff game againsgt" --- This writing is terrible.— lark3319
Comment removed.- Sequels, "Bone Booze", "Factured Fubula" and "Stain of the Oblique"
— DUDESKINS - I am somewhat surprised that the flo of the game was the downfall for Pittsburgh. Thought that was a + for them not a -. Go FLYERS!!— jerlinvorce
- I like Zac, unfortunately the refs take a shine to him also! Stare at Orpuke for a bit refs!— NYPHILLYPHAN
- There is no decision. When he is ready Wellwood, or more likely Rinaldo sits. Rinaldo got 4 minutes of ice time last game. What is this "chemistry" you speak of that will supposedly be messed up?— MBFlyerfan
- Let's have more of the rookies stay at Danny's house.— P Even
- leave JVR home. I would prefer either Rinaldo or Wellwood. They get involved and make an impact on the game. JVR is turning into a Jeff Carter, just kind of wandering around waiting for a puck to come to him. Don't dare take out Wellwood. This gut is quick and has good hockey sense.— NHLfan
- Wellwood has been a pleasant surprise! JVR needs to fully recover so we can package him and Picks in the off-season for a Quality Defenseman.— younged
I would not disrupt the team chemistry right now. We have enough goal scorers to move forward throughout the playoffs, that is not an immediate need. Taking Zac out of the lineup is not an option, he brings energy and aggression that would be missing. Teams would take too many liberties on our skilled forwards. Yes, he is a target on the ice right now. I don't believe this particular series shows his value because of the highly publicized Pittsburg team with their so called stars. Zac is not to be blamed. If and when we move on to the next rounds, Zac will show his value as he has done all season. Remember, in the playoffs, attrition is the key and Zac can help with his bruising style of play. With that being said...JVR won't have to wait too long with a player surly to go down throughout this Stanley Cup run .— Jiggs700- I doubt very seriously Wellwood will sit for JVR unless he has some serious problems in the next round..Until he is 110% ready leave the team chemistry alone for now
— nixman101
