Flyers GM Holmgren says Jeff Carter won’t be back for ECF

Philadelphia Flyers’ Jeff Carter (17) celebrates after the game-winning goal by teammate Simon Gagne (not shown) gets past New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30), as both he and teammate Patrik Elias (26), of the Czech Republic, react as the Flyers defeated the Devils 3-2 in overtime in an NHL hockey game at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

AP

Contrary to earlier reports, Jeff Carter is not expected to return for the Eastern Conference finals. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said it would be a “stretch” to see him back so soon. ESPN’s Scott Burnside has more.

“He’s been off the ice a long time, he hasn’t really been able to do anything from a conditioning standpoint,” Holmgren said Monday. “Obviously, it’s encouraging to see him skating. He skated. Today’s Monday, we’ll take it a day at a time, see how he is tomorrow.”

On the bright side, reports of the Eastern Conference finals return for rugged winger Ian Laperriere appear to hold more salt. Still, it’s important to maintain a decent amount of discretion when discussing injury returns especially when you’re talking about bruised brains.

“They’re both chomping on the bit big time. It’s just a question whether, A) are they healthy enough to play and B) are they fit enough, at this point. The health part we’re working through with both of them,” Holmgren said.

Making sense of injury reports can often be a fool’s errand during the playoffs, but we’ll keep you as informed as possible going forward.