Pronger to Have Surgery, Out 3-4 Weeks; Slump Continues
Looks like defenseman Chris Pronger’s hand is broken after all. He’ll require surgery which will put him out at least 3-4 weeks, which sets up a possible return for the first round of the playoffs. This is certainly disconcerting as the Flyers continue to struggle with complacency, lack of focus, lack of effort, or whatever is causing their current slump. The meltdown against Atlanta on Saturday was unbelievable – blowing a 3-0 lead in the third period and losing 5-4 in overtime. What was once a relatively comfortable lead in the Eastern Conference has all but dissipated, as the Flyers are just barely hanging onto the top spot. Meanwhile, the Caps have won eight in a row, the Penguins keep winning without Crosby and Malkin, and the Bruins have closed in as well. The Flyers have about a dozen games to turn things around and redevelop the winning habits before the playoffs. If they think they’re going to coast into the postseason, they better take another look at what happened to Washington last year in round one. Righting the ship will be that much more difficult without Pronger, as the outstanding defense they had most of the season suddenly looks weak: Sean O’Donnell is struggling and has been for weeks – he looks all of his 39 years, Erik Gustafsson was recalled from the Phantoms, and Nick Boynton will be playing a larger role – he hasn’t played much in the last six weeks coming over from Chicago. On top of that, both goalies Boucher and Bobrovsky are giving up at least one bad goal a game. Every time it happens, I re-live Patrick Kane’s goal in Game 6 last June. Should be an interesting home stretch.
