Flyers LW Gagne returns vs. Capitals

Jan 7, 2009 - 12:22 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The injury-riddled Philadelphia Flyers received a boost on Tuesday.

Left wing Simon Gagne, who had missed the previous two games with a shoulder strain, returned for Tuesday's contest against the Washington Capitals.

The 28-year-old native of Quebec has recorded 18 goals and 22 assists in 36 games this season.

While Gagne's return is a boost, the Flyers still are without several key cogs.

Right wing Joffrey Lupul is expected to miss two weeks with a pulled abdominal muscle suffered in Friday's 5-4 shootout win at Anaheim. Backup goaltender Antero Niittymaki will be out seven to 10 days with a strained groin sustained in Saturday's 2-1 shootout loss at Los Angeles.

Rookie center Jonathon Kalinski underwent surgery Monday to have blood drained from a leg contusion sustained against Los Angeles, while right wing Claude Giroux, another rookie, is day-to-day with a mild concussion.

In addition, center Daniel Briere has missed 14 games with a groin injury, and right wing Arron Asham also is sidelined with a knee ailment.