Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Simmonds practices just in case he can play in Flyers’ opener

New York Rangers v Philadelphia Flyers - Game Four

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 25: Wayne Simmonds #17 of the Philadelphia Flyers is checked by Anton Stralman #6 of the New York Rangers in Game Four of the First Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 25, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Philadelphia Flyers power forward Wayne Simmonds doesn’t know if he can go in the Philadelphia Flyers’ season-opener on Wednesday, but he told CSNPhilly.com that his return to practice was a big deal if that does work out.

“Just in case I am able to go Wednesday, you want to get today in,” Simmonds said.

“Get that hard skate out of the way, then go Tuesday which obviously won’t be as hard for me. Especially, at the end, I doubt I’ll get bagged, especially, if I am in the lineup … I thought it was important to get on the ice today.”

Naturally, this prompted the question: does the 26-year-old think that he’ll play against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 8? Simmonds said that it’s “too early to tell” but noted that going through a successful practice is a good sign.

Word surfaced on Sunday that the foot injury Simmonds suffered early last week is a little more serious than expected; he’s been wearing a boot on his left leg. He doesn’t know which blocked shot from last Tuesday’s preseason contest ended up causing his issues.

The Flyers are taking a cautious route with Simmonds for the time being, yet there shouldn’t be much doubt that his presence will be missed, especially as one of the best net-front presences of any power-play unit in the NHL.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins