The Philadelphia Flyers have played the past 23 games without forward James van Riemsdyk, who has been out with a fractured bone in his left foot. Van Riemsdyk led all Flyers with 7 goals in last season's playoffs but has missed all but 43 games this season with various injuries.
Van Riemsdyk could be back for Game Five on Friday. The Flyers led the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-1. Van Riemsdyk has been skating with the Flyers in each of the past four days. On Thursday, he skated on a line with Jakub Voracek and Matt Read (via Philly.com).
There has been plenty of scoring so far in the series. Having van Riemsdyk back in the lineup might be what Philadelphia needs to rebound after getting mauled, 10-3, in Game Four on Wednesday with a chance to sweep the series.
Whether or not he returns in Game Five, van Riemsdyk is ready to get back on the ice in a game situation.
"It's always a fun time of year to play and it sucks to watch from the sidelines," van Riemsdyk said. "I've always prided myself growing up in playing in these pressure-type games. Last year, I was given an opportunity to play a lot and I just ran with it."
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