Flyers C Richards out three weeks

Feb 24, 2008 - 4:18 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia Flyers can't catch a break.

After having their losing streak reach a franchise-record 10 games with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday, the Flyers learned that All-Star center Mike Richards suffered a torn left hamstring in the third period.

After the game, Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren said Richards will be sidelined at least three weeks.

"We are going to have to deal with it right now," Holmgren said. "We are in a tight spot. There is no need for us to wave a white flag, but everyone is going to have to pick it up and deal with it."

Holmgren admitted he was uncertain as to when Richards suffered the injury.

"I think it happened when he went into the net with (Florida defenseman Jay) Bouwmeester in the third period," Holmgren said.

Richards has scored 23 goals this season but only one during the Flyers' pronounced losing streak. The 23-year-old, who signed a 12-year contract extension earlier this season, also has 43 assists in 62 games.

Drafted 24th overall in 2003, Richards has 44 goals and 132 points in 200 career games. He was a member of the Philadelphia Phantoms' Calder Cup championship team in 2005, two years after helping the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League win the Memorial Cup.

Richards also served as captain of Team Canada's gold medal-winning club at the 2005 World Junior Championship.

Philadelphia, which is 0-8-2 in its last 10 games, has not won since skating to a 3-2 triumph over the Atlanta Thrashers on February 5.