Flyers' Lupul playing waiting game

Feb 5, 2008 - 1:05 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Flyers right wing Joffrey Lupul will have to remain patient.

Lupul, who suffered a spinal chord contusion on January 4 after colliding with teammate Derian Hatcher, will not return to the lineup until February 14.

The 24-year-old had planned on returning for Wednesday's game against the Washington Capitals, but his doctor had other instructions.

"The MRI was clear but the doctor wants to err on the side of caution," Lupul said. "I can't be too upset with that. In the long run, it's probably better to make sure I'm playing for this team in the playoffs and make sure it's something that doesn't bother me for the rest of my career."

Flyers coach John Stevens feels for Lupul, who is fourth on the team with 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) in 39 games.

"He's a young guy, he wants to play (and) he's excited about trying to get back and he feels good," Stevens said. "But in the grand scheme of things, we have to make sure that his health is a priority. We have to make sure that when he comes back, he's fully, 100 percent ready to play."