Backing off from Thursday reports that Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger would play in tonight?s Game 5 against the Buffalo Sabres, CSNPhilly.com now says Pronger won?t play ? primarily because he?s still experiencing pain in the broken area on his right hand and probably wouldn?t be able to take contact there.
Combined with the loss of top goal-scorer Jeff Carter, the Flyers find themselves in a hoel against a team that has momentum.The website, citing a source close to Pronger, said he continues to make progress but simply is not quite ready for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Pronger took part in the Friday morning skate and took some slap shots, but he appeared to wince several times. And the shots did not have the velocity befitting one of the best power-play quarterbacks in the National Hockey League.
Officially, the Flyers continue to list Pronger as day to day. Defense partner Matt Carle said the final decision will come down to how much pain Pronger can tolerate.
?When he comes out there, you expect him to be the Hall of the Fame defenseman he is,? Carle told CSNPhilly. ?You don?t think anything less of him. We have to see how he?s feeling. He?s the only one who can answer that.?
Whether either player will be available again in the playoffs -- much less this series -- is in doubt.
Carter is nursing a severe sprain in his right knee -- CSNPhilly.com says it's the medial collateral ligament that's damaged. While Carter's return is possible, it's not likely he will be anywhere close to 100 percent.
The Flyers also will be without Andreas Nodl, who has an eye injury. Coach Peter Laviolette will send out reconfigured lines to face the Sabres.
Combined with the loss of top goal-scorer Jeff Carter, the Flyers find themselves in a hoel against a team that has momentum.The website, citing a source close to Pronger, said he continues to make progress but simply is not quite ready for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Pronger took part in the Friday morning skate and took some slap shots, but he appeared to wince several times. And the shots did not have the velocity befitting one of the best power-play quarterbacks in the National Hockey League.
Officially, the Flyers continue to list Pronger as day to day. Defense partner Matt Carle said the final decision will come down to how much pain Pronger can tolerate.
?When he comes out there, you expect him to be the Hall of the Fame defenseman he is,? Carle told CSNPhilly. ?You don?t think anything less of him. We have to see how he?s feeling. He?s the only one who can answer that.?
Whether either player will be available again in the playoffs -- much less this series -- is in doubt.
Carter is nursing a severe sprain in his right knee -- CSNPhilly.com says it's the medial collateral ligament that's damaged. While Carter's return is possible, it's not likely he will be anywhere close to 100 percent.
The Flyers also will be without Andreas Nodl, who has an eye injury. Coach Peter Laviolette will send out reconfigured lines to face the Sabres.
