Just hours before the Philadelphia Flyers get set to take on the red-hot New Jersey Devils on the road, the organization announced that first-line winger and top scorer Danny Briere, will be out with a lower body injury and Phantom’ forward Darroll Powe will be manning fourth-line center duties.
Educated rumor has it that Briere saw a doctor today for an opinion on a sports hernia he suffered in the 7-6 overtime loss against the San Jose Sharks. The rumor is consistent with a statement from coach John Stevens made earlier today.
“It’s day-to-day right now,” Stevens said. “I was hoping that he would feel better today and be an option for tonight, and he wasn’t. He was going to see the doctor today. We’re hopeful he’s feeling better. It’s just one of those things and we’ll see how he is tomorrow when we get back.”
Briere was diagnosed with a mild tear in his abdomen, and will require surgery.
Princeton graduate, Powe, gives the Flyers an aggressive grinder that can apply a good forecheck and play the body. Powe earned two goals and one assist in five games with the Phantoms this season.
With Briere out, Gagne a game-time decision and Steve Downie still in purgatory, the lines are sure to be scrambled for the drop of the puck against the Devils.
Phila.Bright 