Today was the Flyers' annual staff Christmas party for the media. Good time was had by all.
Coach John Stevens even elected for an optional practice, so players could have the afternoon to themselves.
Matt Carle skated.
That's about the best we can say. He is clearly in pain and uncomfortable and every day, we get a few more morsels as to what is bothering him. And it's not good.
Something called "intercostal muscle group." You know, like the waterways in Tampa, Fla. Just kidding.
It's a group of muscles between the ribs that form the chest wall. They extend into the back and Carle told us today that his pain begins on his right side and extends far into his back. Which is why he can't pass a puck without a sharp pain, let alone shoot the puck.
BTW: Rumor going 'round today was a trade of Joffrey Lupul and Randy Jones to Florida for Jay Bouwmeester. When asked at the party if there was a 4 p.m. news conference involving the Flyers, GM Paul Holmgren said it was news to him.
For more on the Carle story, click onto the link at CSNPhilly.com:
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