Just when it seems like the Flyers couldn’t get tougher, General Manager Paul Holmgren finds a way. Days after trading notorious party boy Joffrey Lupul to Anaheim, in exchange for one of the dirtiest players in the league, Chris Pronger, the Flyers struck again. Holmgren snagged respected tough guy Ian Laperriere from the free agent line, giving the Flyers yet another gritty forward to add to the ever-growing repertoire of “character” players that are willing to drop the gloves.
And while most teams in the league ignore the Flyers redundant acquisitions, the rest of the Atlantic Division reacted by preparing itself for war.
e up Thursday against the Washington Capitals. Briere, who has played just 12 games this season due to a chronic groin injury, will be inserted into the lineup for Andreas Nodl. Cote, who left Tuesday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres because of an upper body injury, will also be in the lineup after tests on his shoulder came back negative.
Phila.Bright 