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Flyers’ van Riemsdyk practices, wants in for Game 5

James van Riemsdyk

Philadelphia Flyers’ James van Riemsdyk waits for the face off during the first period of an NHL hockey game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Philadelphia. Van Riemsdyk returned to action after being on the injured reserved list since Jan. 12 suffering from post-concussion symptoms. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

AP

James van Riemsdyk is itching to get back in the Flyers lineup.

That was the word from practice today as JVR skated on a line with Matt Read and Jakub Voracek, a spot that had been filled by rookie forward Eric Wellwood in Wednesday’s 10-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

van Riemsdyk, 22, hasn’t played since Mar. 1 after breaking his foot against the Islanders but told Flyers beat writer Dave Isaac he “wants to be in” for Friday’s Game 5 when the Flyers look to eliminate the Penguins at CONSOL Energy Center.

It’s believed JVR would’ve been able to play in Game 4 had Peter Laviolette chose to go that route -- van Riemsdyk took part in a full practice prior to the contest, but the Flyers bench boss didn’t want to change the lineup that’d won three straight.

“I’m just taking it day-by-day right now,” JVR told NHL.com prior to Game 4. “I’m on the right path so I’m just going to keep worrying about that. You just have to take it one game at a time and when your number gets called be ready to go.”

There are a couple of options for Philly to work van Riemsdyk back into the lineup. One could be a straight swap with Wellwood, who went minus-1 in 13:06 of action on Wednesday, while another could be inserting JVR and removing Zac Rinaldo, who’s lack of discipline has been a problem throughout the series (46 PIM through four games.)

If van Riemsdyk does return for Game 5, it’ll add extra firepower to an already explosive Flyers offense. He tied for the team lead in goalscoring last postseason (7G in 11GP) and was tabbed by many as Philadelphia’s best player throughout.