It's Time for the Flyers to Bounce Back

I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but the Flyers need this one. The Tampa Bay Lightning come to Philly today to take on the Flyers. Tampa is the worst team in the Eastern Conference, but they have played well lately, winning 3 of their last 4 games. Here are some news and notes from around the rink.

*Ryan Parent Called Up With Braydon Coburn's butt injury and the so-so play of Lasse Kukkonen, the Flyers have called up rookie defenseman Ryan Parent. The 20 year old made his NHL debut last year, playing in one game. You may remember Parent from the Peter Forsberg trade last year; he came with Scottie Upshall to Philly in the deal. The Flyers have been talking about acquiring a puck-moving d-man, and that's exactly what Parent is. This kid will be great in a few years, and it will be fun to see how he adapts to the NHL level.

*Injury Update Simon Gagne and Upshall are still not ready to come back. Gagne looks to be out at least another two weeks, while Upshall might be ready to play this weekend against Montreal.

*More New Lines Bill Meltzer posted the lines for tonights game over at Hockeybuzz.com:

Umberger - Briere - Lupul
Hartnell - Richards - Downie
Greentree - Carter - Knuble
Cote - Dowd - Kapanen

Timonen - Vandermeer
Hatcher - Jones
Smith - Parent

Kyle Greentree actually looked pretty good the other day. He was big and strong, and has a good feel for the game. There might be a spot for him if he can carve out a role for himself.

*Forsberg Delays Return Forsberg asked for more time to make his decision about returning to the NHL. This story is getting to the point where I won't report anything until he actually signs. Forsberg is turning into the distraction that he was for the Flyers last year when no one knew when he was going to play. Initially I thought he would be a great addition to the Flyers, but it may not be worth all of the headaches.