The Flyers wanted to go at least past Jody Shelley's suspension before having to make some kind of move that might involve Ian Laperriere.
It's not often a player gets waived, picked up and then returned, but that's what happened on Sunday when the Canadiens told Blair Betts he was unwanted.
Because of injury. If you think this is embarrassing to the Habs and Flyers, consider how bad it is for Betts, who failed a physical because of a bad knee.
I will never understand why the Flyers didn't contest Mike Rathje's contract after it had been determined - by their medical staff _ that the San Jose Sharks were less than candid about the condition of Rathje's back and the lack of support evidence that should have accompanied him.
Instead, the Flyers had to live with his cap hit for several years when he didn't even play game, even though he was moved to LTIR.
Betts is back and Lappy goes to LTIR - something the Flyers wanted to hold out on doing but they had no choice unless they were going to make another roster move with a player who was healthy.
Two games into the season, I like what I see of this team on defense. The Flyers didn't allow many good scoring chances for NJ on SAT and Ilya Bryzgalov registered one of the easier shutouts a goalie can ask for. He admitted such after the game.
Though the power play went 0-for-8, it's misleading. Wayne Simmonds scored just as one expired and the Flyers generated tons of chances. I'm not worried about the PP this season.
What might be of concern - and coach Peter Laviolette admitted this, too after the game - is how people are going to handle reduced ice times.
Egos can get in the way of ice times very quickly.
Here's a gaggle of stories on CSNPhilly.com about the FLyers:
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