The Captain to Return?

[eleven24]

While the line combination of Radivojevic, Stevenson, and Primeau doesn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of opponents, it certainly is causing a buzz in Flyer-dom. This morning The Captain dusted off his practice jersey and cast aside the one bearing the red cross, denoting "injured" player, and rejoined his teammates on the ice. For about a half hour, Keith Primeau skated on a line at practice with Radivojevic and Stevenson as his wingmen.

While it is certainly not an announcement that Captain Keith is back, it is definately very encouraging news. Even moreso when coupled with inside information (not the media) that said Primeau began a new form of treatment a few months ago which showed an immedate reduction in his symptoms. Primeau's return to practice was scheduled for 25 minutes today - after which he, and team doctors, will assess his condition. If he is symptom free, he will increase his minutes at practice next time.

I'm not going to assume he'll be back, but I sure know what the reaction in the Wachovia Center will be if Lou Nolan announces...

"And now.. the starting lineup for YOUR Philadelphia Flyers....

...and at Center, number 25... KEITH PRIMEAU!"

Here's to hoping for some GOOD news on the injury front.


**** UPDATE 11:30 am ****
Glen Macnow just reported on WIP that after practice Primeau said that "I'm still looking to come back next year, but just wanted to see how I'd feel after practicing with the team". Macnow went on to say that he spoke with several other players "off the record" who said Primeau is eyeing the playoffs, and they believe he will be there.


**** UPDATE 1:25 pm ****
Tim Panaccio, who was at practice this morning, just called into WIP and said he believes Primeau WILL be back for the playoffs. A couple of his observations:
1. Primeau was out on the ice throwing the body around. Afterwards, Tim P asked him why he was doing that & Prims said "That's the way I play & I was feeling good out there".
2. If Primeau is symptom free for 10 days after practice today, he will play
3. Tomorrow morning will be the deciding factor because when Primeau's symptoms reoccured, it was the morning after strenuous exercise. If he is symptom free tomorrow, he will ratchet up the intensity & start training hard.
4. Neither Hitchcock or Primeau's teammates knew he was going to practice with the team today. Prims didn't tell them because he wanted to send a message to the rest of the team.

GOOD NEWS!!!

[Andy]

This is fantastic.

HUGE Moral booster, hopefully.

[Chris]

awesome news, hopefully we'll see him back in a few weeks, I wasn't expecting this at all!

[Jlg-28]

great news indeed , I saw the story on sportsnet this morning , it would be a big boast to the team if he can somehow make it back to make a playoff run with the team.

[Chris]

I've heard the same news as Rob, Primeau experienced lightheadedness this morning.

[eleven24]

What I don't get is that this morning I hear Primeau feeling some lightheadedness, but then he practices AGAIN with the team. Yesterday Clarke was talking about potentially moving money around if Primeau wanted to get a regular season game in prior to the playoffs...

Not that he's a lock, or that even if he plays he'll be the Primeau from the 2004 Cup run, but there's definately something to this.

[Jlg-28]

welll its just great that he is trying, hopefully he continues to make good progress, if he cant make it back I still think we could go a long way in the playoffs , so we shall see how things go the next few days