Another injury forces Briere out of return vs. Lightning

Dec 3, 2008 - 4:50 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - Philadelphia Flyers center Daniel Briere left Tuesday's 4-3 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period with an injury.

Briere, who had missed the previous nine games with a groin strain, made his return to the lineup before apparently aggravating the injury.

"He has some discomfort in the same general area that he's been dealing with," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "Our doctors right now think that it's just some scar tissue breaking up and we'll see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully, it is nothing serious."

The Flyers went 6-1-2 in Briere's absence, but they obviously would like to have him on the ice. Entering Tuesday, the 31-year-old had notched five goals and four assists in eight games.

"It is a concern," Holmgren said. "Obviously, when you have one of your better players (out), you want him in the lineup."

Briere recorded 31 goals and 41 assists with Philadelphia last season, his first with the club after spending four seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.