Some good news on the horizon.
An MRI on Monday showed that Flyers’ forward Ian Laperriere is fully healthy and is expected to be available to play at some point during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens.
“Ian was cleared for contact today, but it’s a situation where he wasn’t able to do a whole lot,” said general manager Paul Holmgren during a press conference on Monday.
“They (the doctors) weren’t going to let him back unless he was cleared. I think it’s possible (he will play) at some point.”
The 36-year-old Montreal native, who suffered a brain contusion and concussion in game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals after taking a slap shot to the face, participated in a non-contact practice on Sunday and again on Monday.
“Hockey players live to play hockey this time of year, so I’m sure they are both champing at the bit,” said Holmgren, addressing Laperriere and Jeff Carter’s injury progress. “The question is re they healthy enough to play and are they fit enough. If they are fit enough they will be options for the coaches.”
Laperriere was expected to miss the rest of the season after doctors discovered a spot on his brain while testing for a concussion. However, the spot has since cleared and Laperriere has said he feels healthy and ready to go.
Phila.Bright 
forgive me for sounding a little superstitious…but…what are the chances that bringing carter back totally messes with the offensive chemistry?
the only way i can see it working is if carter goes to wing and carcillo gets dropped to 4th line duty. then asham gets bumped to keep leino in the lineup. so it would look like:
gagne – richards – carter
hartnell – giroux – briere
jvr – powe – leino
lappy – betts – carcillo
agreed Meeks…. that’s really the only option I see at this point that won’t totally screw up team chemistry. Besides, if Carter has conditioning problems, then the wing is the best situation for him.
Still, you get this erie Lindros-effect possibility when you mention Carter. Hope not.