When Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren made the announcement that forward Ian Laperriere was expected to be in the lineup when the Flyers began the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, a sigh of relief came sweeping over the city of Philadelphia.
But an old enemy has emerged.
The Flyers have come forward to say that upon re-evaluation, Laperriere has suffered a concussion and brain contusion that could keep him out indefinitely.
Laperriere hasn’t skated since the incident occurred on April 22 and has been having headaches to accompany his fractured orbital bone. He is expected to miss some, if not all of the second round. UPDATE: Laperriere is expected to miss a minimum of three weeks but is likely to miss the season.
The truculent forward took a Paul Martin point shot to the eye area in his team’s game 6 win against New Jersey on April 22.
The loss of Laperriere’s penalty kill specialties will be amplified due to the Flyers already missing two-way forward Simon Gagne to a fractured toe.
Phila.Bright 