Mike Knuble signs with the Capitals

With the acquisition of Chris Pronger adding money to their payroll, we knew some Flyers where going to have to go to make room. Mike Knuble is the first, signing a 2 year deal with the Washington Capitals for 2.8 million per year. Knuble was an unrestricted free agent who could talk with any team, but he made it clear that he wanted to stay with the Flyers if they were willing to match any offer given to him. The Flyers smartly chose not to match, since signing Knuble at that price wouldn't leave them with enough money to sign a backup goalie and another forward.

So long, Mike Knuble. He spent 4 years with the Flyers, putting up nearly 30 goals a season. He is about to turn 37, so his best years are clearly behind him, but he will still be a tough player to replace. Knuble has a strong presence on the power play, so they will miss him battling it out in front of the net.

The Flyers once again lose a useful player due to salary cap constrictions. Let's see what they do with the little money they have to work with now.

Knuble likely to return for Game 4, Gagne still on the horizon

(AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

Things just keep getting better for the Flyers. Following last nights 3-2 win over the Canadiens, the Flyers also learned that one of the heroes of their first round win over the Washington Capitals is set to return. Mike Knuble, who hasn't played since Game 5 against Washington, believes he will be ready to play in Game 4 on Wednesday. Knuble, who suffered a partially torn hamstring when his skate got caught up in the ice, initially was expected to miss up to two weeks, and a return Wednesday would be slightly ahead of schedule.

Knuble would add a nice lift to a Flyers team that is gelling at just the right time. He would likely push Steve Downie out of the line-up, which is fine by me. Knuble's scoring touch and leadership will be nice to have back and Downie, while he brings plenty of energy, still has a penchant for taking too many penalties.

Knuble's return leaves just one Flyer out due to injury: Simon Gagne. Gagne said about a month ago that he could return if the Flyers make the Stanley Cup Finals. When he initially made that statement, I thought there was no way we would see him again this year, but with the way they are playing right now, the possibility is there. As much as I would cringe every time he was hit, getting a big time scorer like Gagne back would be huge. Could you imagine a top line of Gagne, Danny Briere and Vinny Prospal?

UPDATE: Knuble confirmed for Game 4.

Flyers lose Knuble for rest of First Round

If the Flyers are going to get past the Washington Capitals and into the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they are going to have to do it without the hero of Game Four's double overtime victory, Mike Knuble. Knuble injured his hamstring during the second period of Game Five when his skate got caught on the ice and did not return for the rest of the game. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren relayed the news that Knuble will be out, saying that the injury was worse than the similar hamstring injury that Mike Richards suffered earlier in the season that kept him out for two weeks, meaning Knuble will be out for at least the rest of this series and possibly another one if they Flyers make the second round.

Losing Knuble is a big blow to the Flyers attack. His line with Jeff Carter and Scottie Upshall was the best line in Game Four, and generated plenty of chances in today's game as well. Knuble's injury will allow either Riley Cote or Steve Downie to suit up for the foreseeable future. While Cote is the more logical choice, the Flyers might go with Downie because he would bring some of that offensive punch that the Flyers will miss without Knuble.

While this injury might hurt the Flyers in the short term, I still think they should still be able to beat the Capitals in Game Six. Losing Knuble's leadership, toughness and scoring touch is big, but the Flyers have more than enough depth to make up for the loss of one player.

Flyers Bounce Back

The Flyers bounced back from a poor effort against the Rangers by shutting out the Stanley Cup Champs 3-0. Like always, the Flyers were outshot (27-25), but Martin Biron was strong in goal, stopping everything the Ducks could muster. The Flyers offense was all provided by Mike Knuble, who had the first hat trick of his career. This is surprising, considering he has topped 30 goals in a season twice in his 11 year career. Knuble has been playing on a checking line with R.J. Umberger and Jeff Carter for the last few weeks, so it has been great to see that he is combining strong defensive play with his scoring touch. On the fighting front, Riley Cote continued to prove his worth by squaring off with Ducks tough guy George Parros. Even though Cote was soundly beaten in the scrap, he has continually shown that he is willing to fight anyone, anywhere. Cote will continually find himself in the line-up for the Flyers, even when everyone is healthy, if he maintains this level of toughness.

*Yes, more Forsberg! Another day, another piece of news on Peter Forsberg. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren hopped on a plane to Sweden to go and talk to Forsberg. Everything is being set into motion, and I bet by the end of next week, Foppa will be wearing the orange and black again. The only question will be what number he will wear, seeing as how Jason Smith has #21 already.