Whispers of an expected concussion diagnosis swarmed around Flyers’ rookie James van Riemsdyk on Wednesday, after he was forced to leave Tuesday’s contest against the Washington Capitals due to having his “bell rung” and not feeling well enough to return.
However, JVR has passed all baseline concussion tests and is cleared to play. But despite the clean bill of health it is still unknown whether he will be activated for Thursday’s match up against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If he isn’t in the lineup, Arron Asham will replace him next to Claude Giroux and Darroll Powe.
Update: JVR is NOT expected to be in the line up versus the Penguins.
“I feel a lot better today so that’s a good sign,” said JVR. “No symptoms no headaches, everything looks pretty good so far. I’m going to go to the rink tomorrow and see how I feel.”
The Flyers should be smart with this all-to-familiar scenario and hold JVR out until the team heads to Florida to face the Panthers on Oct. 16. After Saturday’s game against Anaheim at home on the 10th, the Flyers don’t play for six days. That break should help resolve any lingering issues with JVR’s valuable hockey brain.
Phila.Bright 