Nov 5, 2009

NHL's Flyers Lose Gagne For 6 To 8 Weeks

Philadelphia's Winger Has Abdominal and Hip Surgery

The Philadelphia Flyers winger Simon Gagne is expected to miss at least the next 6 to 8 weeks after undergoing abdominal and hip surgery on Tuesday. The 29 year old Gagne had missed the last two games due to the nagging injuries that left him unable to perform at a competitive level. Gagne has two small hernias in his right groin which is the same area that required him to have surgery prior to the 2007-2008 NHL season. He also has been forced to have multiple operations on his hip as a direct result of the injuries stemming from the groin problems. Gagne attempted to delay the surgery as long as possible in the hopes that he could play through the injury, but after seeking a second opinion and having additional MRI, ultrasounds, and bone scans, he was left with no choice but to follow through with the surgery.

The loss of Gagne is a sure bet to decrease the Flyers' overall strength on the roster, especially after both Danny Briere and Ryan Parent have also suffered groin injuries that will force them to the sidelines. Fortunately, however, the injuries to Briere and Parent are a very minor and both should be able to return to the ice in the next week. The fact that Gagne's injury caused him to perform at a severely diminished capacity, scoring only one goal with four assists so far this season, combined with the return of both Briere and Parent within a week should not affect the betting odds of the Flyers being able to remain competitive in the Atlantic division during Gagne's absence.

By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
Betsportsweb.com
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