| Newsbreakers |
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| The Flyers released Jim Dowd, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. |
Our View: Dowd contributed almost nothing to the Flyers last season and was not a fantasy option. |
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| Bryan Berard was released by the Flyers, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. |
Our View: The defenseman didn't have much fantasy value regardless. |
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| The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Luca Sbisa has had a great camp and remains in contention for a roster spot. |
Our View: The 18-year-old is considered an excellent prospect for the Flyers whether he makes the team or not. |
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| Mike Richards scored a goal and an assist in Saturday's 4-3 preseason loss to the Devils. Both of his points came on a power-play. |
Our View: Richards scored 75 points over 73 games in 2007, and is off to a solid start heading into the new season. |
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| Daniel Briere recorded a goal and two assists in Saturday's 4-3 preseason loss to the Devils. |
Our View: Briere looks to top 30 goals for the third straight season, and should remain a productive starting winger. He will turn 31 on Monday. |
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| Jean-Sebastien Aubin had a rough night in goal for the Flyers as he allowed three goals on 19 shots against a relentless Capitals' attack. |
Our View: Aubin will back up Martin Biron this season. Biron allowed two goals on 12 shots in relief of Aubin. |
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| Former first-round pick, defenseman Ryan Parent, has been hobbled by a shoulder injury during training camp, but the team still expects he will be a part of the blue-line corps when the season starts, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We think he's ready to play in the NHL; it's just a matter of getting him healthy," Flyers coach John Stevens said. |
Our View: Parent played 22 games for the Flyers last season, and did not register a single point and was a -4 while taking only nine shots. |
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| It has been revealed that Steve Downie suffered a mild strain of his MCL in Wednesday’s 2-1 preseason victory over Washington, according to the AP. |
Our View: The Flyers are uncertain if the 21-year-old would be on the ice for the regular-season opener on October 11 against the Rangers. The former first-round pick (2005) was being counted on to play a larger role this season. |
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| Confirming what was expected to happen, 20-year-old Flyers forward Claude Giroux has been sent down, according to HockeyBuzz.com. |
Our View: This was not an unexpected move after less-than-inspiring comments from Philly coach John Stevens, who said Giroux was "just OK" in camp. |
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| Martin Biron had another good exhibition outing on Wednesday as the Flyers beat the Capitals 2-1. Biron allowed just one goal on 20 shots. |
Our View: Biron has had a good preseason and should be able to improve upon his 30 wins of a season ago. He is a solid, but not spectacular, option in goal. |
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| Joffrey Lupul was a part of both goals in the Flyers 2-1 win over the Capitals in Wednesday nights exhibition. He scored in the third after assisting on the game's first goal. |
Our View: Lupul put up 46 points in 56 games last season and over the course of a full season, he could put up some serious production. |
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| The AP reports that right wing Steve Downie left Wednesday’s preseason game against the Washington Capitals in the second period following a fight with Jay Beagle. The 21-year-old Downie injured his left leg after falling to the ice. His return is questionable. |
Our View: The 2005 first round pick appeared in just 32 games a season ago and recorded 12 points. The Flyers are hoping he can become a bigger contributor this season. |
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| The Philadelphia Daily News reports that goaltender Antero Niittymaki returned to practice on Wednesday about two weeks earlier than expected. He had hip surgery earlier in September. "I feel pretty good, not 100 percent, but I'm getting there," Niittymaki said. |
Our View: Until he is back to 100 percent, J.S. Aubin will back up starter Martin Biron. he does not have any fantasy value.
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| Claude Giroux is likely to start the season in the minors, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Coach John Stevens said, "I think Claude has done just OK, to be honest with you. I think there was a lot of pressure on this kid coming in."
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Our View: The 20-year-old is a highly regarded prospect, but the team would rather have him play significant minutes in the minors, rather than have him work on the fourth-line in Philadelphia. |
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