Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov criticized reporters during his final interview of the season on Sunday, saying, “You guys are just here to blame someone.” (Len Redkoles/Getty Images)

On the day the Philadelphia Flyers cleaned out their lockers following a disappointing season, Ilya Bryzgalov criticized reporters in what may have been his final interview as a Flyer.

Though he just completed the third season of a nine-year, $51-million deal, the team could use the amnesty clause on Bryzgalov, allowing them to buy out the remainder of his contract at about two-thirds the price according to the new collective bargaining agreement.

The enigmatic goalie, who has endured a rocky tenure in Philadelphia and frequently clashed with reporters, capped off another tumultuous season — in which the team missed the playoffs for the first time in six years — by taking shots at the media.

From CSNPhilly.com’s John Gonzalez:

“Not anymore,” Bryzgalov said about whether criticism gets to him. “Not anymore. You guys are just here to blame someone. You never look at yourself in the mirror, right? You’re always good. You never make the mistakes. Your articles are always perfect. But, in reality, what have you done for the city, if you ask yourself? What have you done? Ask yourself that question. Besides to only criticize. Not much.

“You need to be fair. You need to see the whole picture. It’s easy to criticize. It’s tough to find something good.”

…

“It’s not like fair or unfair,” Bryzgalov said. “We’ve already had the conversation. It’s just ridiculous. It’s just ridiculous. Sometimes you’re reading and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, who’s this lunatic? What are they writing about?’ Because there was nothing close to the truth or close to related to hockey. You read it and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I have to deal with these people every day.’

“Like I said before, guys, before you write something you’ve got to read what you’re writing. Cause I never saw, I’m two years here, I never saw for two years good article where everything is like, OK, ‘The Flyers lose the game because this, this, this, this, this. Or they need to improve this, this, this or this.’ I never. That’s what to call professional, where you can say ‘This reporter knows hockey. He knows what he’s talking about.’”

Bryzgalov also reflected on his past play and future with the Flyers, saying that his contract situation is “out of my hands,” that he “worked very hard,” and that he had a “tremendous experience” in Philadelphia.

The NHL on Wednesday suspended Canadiens defenseman Ryan White for five games following his illegal check to the head of Flyers defenseman Kent Huskins on Monday.

White was assessed a match penalty and ejected for an attempt to injure after he took several strides toward Huskins. NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said the suspension was handed down because White had time to aim for the defender’s body, but instead chose to target his check upwards toward Huskins’ head.

It is the longest NHL suspension of the season, matching the sentence given to Patrick Kaleta of the Sabres in March.

White could return for the Canadiens’ season finale against the Maple Leafs on April 27.

Philadelphia Flyers center Danny Briere is out indefinitely with a concussion, Flyers GM Paul Holmgreen said on Monday. Briere was injured during a team practice and missed his first game last night against the Penguins. Briere crashed into the boards during a drill in practice and hasn’t been back on the ice since.

The 16-year veteran has played in 26 games this year with the Flyers, tallying five goals and eight points during that span. The 35-year-old center has not scored a goal in his last 13 games before being injured.

INJURY UPDATE: (D) Grossmann-day-to-day (upper-body injury). Danny Briere-out indefinitely with a concussion MORE bit.ly/9UNv1R—
Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 25, 2013

Peter Laviolette has come under fire from fans and media during the Flyers’ disappointing 2013 showing. (Andy Marlin/NHL/Getty Images)

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren had a message for Philly fans and media members who think coach Peter Laviolette should be on the hot seat for the team’s disappointing 2013 season:

“I don’t think so,” Holmgren told CSNPhilly.com. “The coaches have done a good job. Right now, our team needs to play better. We’re making a lot of mistakes. A lot from our lack of competitiveness. Our team needs to compete better. I don’t like the way we’re playing right now, but I don’t necessarily blame that on the coach.”

And Holmgren doesn’t expect his position to change even if the Flyers (12-15-1, 25 points) continue to play poorly enough to anchor the bottom of the Atlantic Division.

 “I haven’t even thought about it. You guys keep asking these questions about the coach and it hasn’t even entered my mind.”

Holmgren believes the blame falls on the players, not the coach, when it comes to losing battles for picks and poor positioning.

 “They’re the ones on the ice,” he said. “I don’t think we can let the players off the hook here.”

Rangers defenseman Marc Stall should make a full recovery after being hit in the eye with a puck. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Even though it is a player’s choice whether or not to wear a visor in the National Hockey League, league executives continue to debate about whether to make the equipment mandatory, reports ESPN.com.

The issue was raised during labor negotiations and continues on after New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal was hit in the eye with a puck during last night’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers said Wednesday that Staal has “improved significantly” and is expected to make a full recovery.

According to league union statistics, 73 percent of players are wearing visors this season, up from 69 percent last season.

“It’s a continuing discussion we have with the Players’ Association and among our general managers,” NHL Deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN.com. “We have consistently been in favor of a rule mandating visors. The PA has historically been in favor of maintaining ‘Player choice,’ coupled with continued education and sensitization. And, in fairness, the use of visors has continued to increase at a significant pace over the last several years. So, I’m not sure a single incident will materially change or impact the ongoing discussion or approach.”

Simon Gagne scored just one goal in 11 games as a King this season. (John Russell/NHL/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Kings traded left wing Simon Gagne to the Philadelphia Flyers for a conditional fourth-round draft pick on Tuesday.

Gagne, a four-time 30-goal scorer and seven-time 20-goal scorer, has struggled this season, scoring one goal in 11 games and has been a recent healthy scratch. He signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Kings prior to the 2011-12 season.

A concussion caused Gagne to miss several months following a concussion last season, before making his return in the Kings’ triumphant Stanley Cup finals.

Gagne returns to Philadelphia where he played his first 10 NHL seasons. He scored a career-high 47 goals during the 2005-06 season.

His struggle to return from concussions greatly limited his play in his latter seasons in Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old will be a free agent this summer.

The Flyers’ Matt Read will be out for six weeks. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Flyers leading scorer Matt Read will miss six weeks with torn rib cage muscles, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia’s Tim Panaccio reported on Thursday.

Read suffered the injury on Wednesday night’s thrilling, 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, which was the highest-rated regular-season game in NBC Sports Network history. Read was drilled by the Penguins’ Chris Kunitz in the first period.

The 26-year-old Read was off to a fast start in his second season with the Flyers. He already had seven goals in his first 18 games, the most on the Flyers. He had four goals in a game against the Florida Panthers earlier this season. He added six assists to total 13 points. Read had recently moved to a hot line that also featured Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek.

Entering Thursday night’s play, the Flyers were tied for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.

Philadelphia Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds left Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals in the first period after sustaining an elbow to the head from defenseman John Erskine.

Erskine stuck his elbow out to check Simmonds while both were pursuing a loose puck. The hit stopped play with 1:46 left in the period as Simmonds remained on the ice and received medical attention, but Erskine did not receive a penalty.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said after the game that Simmonds did not suffer a concussion or broken nose, while coach Peter Laviolette called the hit dirty, according to CSNPhilly.com’s Tim Panaccio.

Holmgren says Simmonds has a "head injury" with whiplash. No broken nose. No concussion as of now. Laviolette called it a dirty hit.—
Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) February 02, 2013

While Simmonds was treated on the bench, teammate Zac Rinaldo retaliated by going after Washington’s Matt Hendricks before the ensuing faceoff. Rinaldo later called the hit “improper,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Sam Carchidi.

Rinaldo on hit that sidelined Simmonds: "It was improper." #Flyer—
Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) February 02, 2013

Many reporters speculated that Erskine would receive a suspension from Department of Player Safety head Brendan Shanahan. As Yahoo! Sports’ Greg Wyshysnki pointed out, Rene Bourque was suspended for five games for a similar hit on Nicklas Backstrom last season.

The Capitals won the game, 3-2.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden was suspended for one game by the NHL for charging. (Len Redkoles/NHL/Getty Images)

The NHL suspended Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn for one game for charging New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov in the Flyers’ 3-0 loss to the Devils on Tuesday night, the league announced.

Scheen charged Volchenkov in the second period of the loss and was not given a penalty on the play. Scheen will miss Thursday night’s home game against the New York Rangers.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Schenn will forfeit $4,702.70. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The Flyers are 0-3-0 in the lockout-shortened campaign and it is their worst start to a season since 1995.

Chris Pronger has been sidelined since 2011 concussion. (Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News firmly predicts Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger “will never skate another shift in the NHL” after concussion-like symptoms kept him out of the lineup since November of 2011 — and why neither Pronger, nor the Flyers can even discuss retirement.

It’s just that no one – not Flyers management, not even Pronger himself – has been allowed to say anything other than that Pronger continues to work toward one day returning to the ice.

There is a reason Pronger has not addressed the media once since being sidelined. No one can say anything further.

Why?

Since Pronger’s 7-year, $34.45 million extension with the Flyers kicked in after his 35th birthday, the Flyers are on the hook for his full salary cap hit should he or the club hint that he is retiring or formally sign the papers.

A career year earned Scott Hartnell a six-year deal. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed off on another six-year contract.

After re-upping Wayne Simmonds to a six-year extension last week, the Flyers secured left wing Scott Hartnell for six years, $28.5 million, according to a source reported by CSNPhilly.com’s Tim Panaccio.

In his first season as a Philadelphia Flyer, having arrived as part of the Mike Richards trade with the Los Angeles Kings, forward Wayne Simmonds posted career highs with 28 goals and 49 points. So it’s no surprise that the Flyers have agreed to a six-year extension with the right wing, who turns 24 on Aug. 26. According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the deal is for about $24 million.

Wayne Simmonds has agreed to 6 year extension with PHI. Not sure on precise AAV but hearing it's around $4M per year.—
Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) August 16, 2012

In four NHL seasons (the first three with the Kings, who selected him in the second round of the 2007 draft), Simmonds has 67 goals and 142 assists in 322 games.

Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber has signed a 14-year, $110 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, according to multiple reports. TSN’s Darren Dreger first reported the news on Twitter.

Breaking: Shea Weber agrees to offer sheet with Philadelphia. 14 years, upwards of $100 mil. Preds have 7 days to match. Wow!!

—
Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 19, 2012

The Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers had all recently spoken to the Predators about trading for Weber, Dreger reports. Philadelphia pushed the issue, though, by signing the defenseman to a long-term offer sheet. If Nashville matches the offer, it would not be able to trade Weber for a calendar year, the Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Frank Seravalli reports.

If the Predators decline to match the offer, they will receive four draft picks as compensation — likely all first-round picks, though that could change based on the actual total dollar value of the contract, Seravalli reports.

Dreger also reports that the deal may pay Weber $26 million in the next calendar year. A deal that frontloaded would make it tough for Nashville to match because of the steep immediate cost.

The 26-year-old Weber is a three-time All-Star.

Most of the NHL free agent news has centered on forward Zach Parise, but the other blue-chip free agent, defenseman Ryan Suter, is just as sought after, as evidenced by the high-eight-figure deals that he has been offered.

Sources told Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com that the Flyers offered Suter and Parise identical 12-year deals worth at least $80 million and perhaps as much as $110 million.

Two reporters have the Detroit Red Wings offering Suter $90 million, although Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press says the money is over 13 years, while Ansar Khan of MLive.com says that it’s over 12 years.

The Nashville Predators made a “very substantial” offer to retain Suter’s services, Suter’s agent told Josh Cooper of The Tennessean.

The Minnesota Wild’s offer has not been reported.

Like Parise, Suter is taking his time making a decision, with one not expected until at least Wednesday — although given the holiday, Suter might take until Thursday.

Dallas Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk continued the massive overhaul of his team by convincing Jaromir Jagr to leave the Philadelphia Flyers and take his talents to Big D on a one-year, $4.55 million deal.

Jagr had been expected to re-up with the Flyers, but the Stars gave him a significant raise on the $3.3 million he made last season. Although he turned 40 in February, Jagr still managed 19 goals and 54 points in 73 games with Philadelphia last season, his first in the NHL since 2007-08.

Dallas has also added winger Ray Whitney, center Derek Roy, defenseman Aaron Rome and center Cody Eakins this offseason.

Free-agent winger Jaromir Jagr wants to play for the Montreal Canadiens. But it appears the feeling is not mutual, as the Canadiens have told Jagr’s agent that they are not interested.

Early on Monday, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported, via Twitter, that Jagr wanted to play in Montreal. But Dreger said Jagr is seeking a one-year, $4 million deal. He made only $3.3 million last season while playing with the Philadelphia Flyers.

@drosennhl @IMadhavji.Jagr wants to play in Mtl, but other teams say he wants $4 mil for 1 year. May take some time.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 2, 2012

The Canadiens, though, don’t have much interest. The Montreal radio station CJAD 800 reported later on Monday that Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin wanted “nothing to do” with the Jagr sweepstakes. From the report:

The Canadiens informed agent Petr Svoboda (the former Habs and Flyers defenseman) that they were not interested in the services of the Czech star who has frequently said he’d love to play in Montreal.

Jagr played this past season with the Flyers, in his first year in the NHL since the 2007-08 season. He scored 19 goals and tacked on 35 assists in 73 games with the Flyers.

Jagr played for 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted him in the first round of the 1990 NHL Draft. He has also had stints in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers.

Jagr is the NHL’s active leader with 1,653 career points.

Zach Parise will announce on Monday where he will play next season, and the choice will reportedly be the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins or Detroit Red Wings, according to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie:

On the NHL Network on Sunday, McKenzie said that a 10-year deal worth $80 million would be a low-end offer, while the Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly offering more than $100 million to Parise.

In June, Mike Halford reported for NBCSports.com that former Wild general manager Lou Nanne had lunch with Wild owner Craig Leopold and was told that if Parise goes somewhere other than Minnesota, “you can bet he’s going for less money.”

Zach Parise's decision will not come until tomorrow. Has narrowed the field to a select group and will decide Monday.—
Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 01, 2012

The Flyers and Blue Jackets have reportedly re-engaged in trade talks involving Rick Nash. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets have begun to engage in new trade talks involving winger Rick Nash, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia’s Tim Panaccio reported Saturday. From the report:

Two sources say the Flyers are in serious discussions with the Blue Jackets to acquire the proven 40-goal winger.

Problem is, do the Flyers have the assets to do the deal without gutting their forward spots? Columbus general manager Scott Howson apparently wants both Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier or one of them with several other players.

Earlier in June, a reported “10 or more” teams showed interest in Nash. The New York Rangers have made a push for Nash recently, the New York Post reported in mid-June.

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reported that the Rangers still “appeared to be the best fit” for Nash, but the Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes also showed strong interest. The Flyers were also in talks with the Blue Jackets before the NHL trade deadline in February.

Nash will cost any team an average cap hit of $7.8 million over the next six seasons. Panaccio reported that the Flyers will have roughly $12 million in salary-cap space going into free agency.

Nash had 30 goals and 29 assists for the Blue Jackets last season.

Luke Schenn (left) and his brother Brayden will be on the same team next season (Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)

The Toronto Maple Leafs dealt hard-nosed defenseman Luke Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers today, in exchange for winger James van Riemsdyk, according to a report from The Globe and Mail. The move unites Schenn with his younger brother Brayden, who just wrapped up his first season as a center with the Flyers.

The deal is expected to help both teams, with the Maple Leafs looking to add an impact player to its struggling attack, while the Flyers will look to bolster their defense. Luke Schenn, known as a stay-at-home defender, has been consistently among the league leaders in hits in his four NHL seasons. Schenn recorded a career-high 20 NHL assists last season, while van Riemsdyk missed about half the season with a broken foot.

Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan has heard all the rumors that his team is shopping him, and he tells Randy Miller of the Camden, N.J., Courier-Post on Friday that he’s ready to move on with his career elsewhere — and that he would love to join his hometown Philadelphia Flyers. (Ryan is from South Jersey.)

“For me, if I’m moved, Philadelphia would be a very ideal and comfortable place for me,” said Ryan, a four-time 30-goal scorer.

Ryan said that he is tired of hearing his name come up as a trade candidate on a seemingly annual basis.

“I take things personally,” Ryan said. “Anaheim to me has been a team over the past year that really has shown me nothing to prove that they want me here, unfortunately. … I gotta be honest with you: At this point, I don’t care. Move me … because it’s just tough going to the rink every day knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re going to be the guy moved.”

Courtesy of Lisa Dillman of The Los Angeles Times, here’s what Ducks general manager Bob Murray had to say about Ryan’s comments:

Bob Murray:"I''d just like to say I'm disappointed at this time at his comments and I intend to talk to Bobby personally when we get back.."—
lisa dillman (@reallisa) June 23, 2012

Steve Mason could be on his way out of Columbus now that the team acquired Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. (Andy Devlin/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Flyers Sergei Bobrovksy could start in goal next season for the Columbus Blue Jackets now that the team has reportedly acquired the 23-year-old goalie in exchange for three draft picks, according to tweets from TSN’s Darren Deger and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.

General manager Scott Howson told The Dispatch in April that fans should expect off-season changes that would impact current goalie Steve Mason:

“We need a different look in goal,” Howson said. “We need better play from that position. I told Steve in our exit interviews (earlier this month) that we’re going to have a different look at that position next year, but that right now, nobody can predict what form that’s going to take.”

Mason is due $3.2 million next season and if Bobrovsky does replace him, the team could either trade him or buy him out in the final year of his contract and make him an unrestricted free agent. Mason was pulled from play more than any other goalie in the past three seasons  – 20 times in 153 starts — but his poor performance could be attributed in part to playing with 23 different defensemen over the last three seasons. His save percentage of .894 was the lowest of his career, ranking 42nd out of 44 goalies in the NHL.

Bobrovksy, meanwhile, became the youngest goalie in Flyers history to win a season-opening game in the 2010-11 season, accomplishing it at 22 years and 17 days, besting former goalie Ron Hextal.  His rookie save percentage was .915 but he was eventually benched in favor of Brian Boucher because of poor performance in the playoffs.

Hearing Bobrovsky to Columbus for draft picks. Working on details.—
Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 22, 2012

Have confirmed @DarrenDreger report of #CBJ trade for G Sergei Bobrovsky. Three draft picks going to Flyers, including No. 45 this year.—
Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 22, 2012

Winger Jaromir Jagr plans to explore his options in free agency, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Monday on Twitter.

Jaromir Jagr enjoyed Phildadelphia, but plans on testing free agency. Also plans to change training to shed some lbs and get faster.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 18, 2012

Dreger’s report is an apparent step back in the negotiations between Jagr and the Philadelphia Flyers. On June 8, the Philadelphia Daily News reported that the team and the 40-year-old Jagr were “on track” to reach an agreement.

“I think it is fair to say that I have expressed interest in Jaromir returning to the Flyers,” Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren told the Daily News. “I think Jaromir has expressed his interest in the Flyers. He had a good year and I think he liked it here.”

This season with the Flyers was Jagr’s first year in the NHL since the 2007-08 season. He scored 19 goals and added 35 assists in 73 games with the Flyers.

Jagr played for 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins after they drafted him in the first round of the 1990 NHL Draft. He has also had stints with the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers.

Jagr is the NHL’s active leader with 1,653 career points.

His agent says that Jagr is focused on a second season on Broad Street. (Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jaromir Jagr apparently has had a change of heart. Four weeks ago Jagr complained about his role on the Philadelphia Flyers and was noncommittal about returning to the club, but his agent, longtime defenseman Petr Svoboda, told Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com on Wednesday that Jagr wants to remain a Flyer, and that the two sides are working on another one-year deal.

“I’ve talked to Jaromir and I have talked to Paul [Holmgren, the Philadelphia general manager] and we hope to get something done before the draft,” Svoboda told Panaccio.

Jagr, 40, had 54 points (third on the team) in his return to the NHL after three seasons in Russia.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Craig Adams will be suspended for one game by the NHL and coach Dan Bylsma will be fined $10,000 for a late game brawl at the end of the Penguins Game 3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, according to ESPN.com.

Adams will not play in Game 4 in Philadelphia.

During the third period of Sunday’s game, Adams went after Flyers forward Scott Hartnell, who had been in an altercation with Sidney Crosby. The two fought and Adams was assessed a game misconduct penalty.

Two other Pittsburgh forwards — Arron Asham and James Neal — also face penalties for their roles in other fights.

Philadelphia currently holds a 3-0 series lead.

The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to a multiple-year contract extension with defenseman Nicklas Grossmann, the team announced today.

BREAKING NEWS: The #Flyers and Defenseman Nicklas Grossmann have agreed to a multiple-year contract extension.

—
Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 06, 2012

Grossmann, 27, was the Dallas Stars’ second-round pick in the 2004 draft. He played his entire career with the Stars before being traded to the Flyers on Feb. 16 for two draft picks.

Grossmann has zero goals and 11 assists this season. He’s currently sidelined with a lower body injury but hoping to return this weekend.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros needs surgery to remove a small disc fragment from his lower back, according to FOX Sports. He will miss 6-8 weeks.

The team has announced that Meszaros will have his operation Wednesday in Philadelphia. His season is likely over unless the Flyers make a deep run in the Eastern Conference playoffs this spring.

The 26-year-old Meszaros last played for the Flyers on March 1 against the New York Islanders. He’s averaged nearly 21 minutes per game this season, compiling seven goals and 18 assists.

The Flyers currently rank third in the Eastern Conference, three points behind the first-place New York Rangers. They’ll be without Meszaros when they take on the Florida Panthers at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

The Philadelphia Flyers are actively searching for a new No. 1 goaltender, according to The Fourth Period.

The Flyers, according to The Fourth Period, are looking at Nikolai Khabibulin (Oilers), Jean-Sebastien Giguere (Avalanche) and Ondrej Pavelec (Jets) and are willing to package goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and winger James van Riemsdyk.

This past summer, the Flyers traded for and re-signed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov to a nine-year, $51 million contract, but Bryzgalov has struggled, going 22-12-6 with a 2.82 goals-against average and .898 save percentage. Bobrovksy, who started 52 games for the Flyers last season, has also struggled, posting a .299 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal will not be suspended for boarding Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn during today’s 6-4 victory over the in-state rivals. Instead, the league has elected to fine Staal $2,500, the maximum amount allowed under the current CBA.

The incident occurred at 9:56 of the second period — Staal hit Coburn from behind, sending him into the boards headfirst. Staal received a minor penalty for boarding on the play.

The lax punishment is likely due to Staal’s lack of a prior record.

With today’s win, the Penguins tied the Flyers for fourth place in the Eastern Confererence with 71 points.

Pavel Kubina appears headed to the Philadelphia Flyers, according to TSN hockey inside Darren Dreger.

Pending league approval, Pavel Kubina has been traded to Philadelphia.

—
Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 18, 2012

It’s been expected all season that the Tampa Bay Lightning would deal the veteran defenseman, and now the deal is just about done. Rumor has it the Flyers are sending two draft picks to Tampa Bay in the deal, adds ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.

Kubina has played in 52 games this season for the Lightning, racking up three goals and eight assists. He’s played for the Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Thrashers in his 15-year NHL career.

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Nicklas Grossman from the Dallas Stars in exhange for future draft picks, according to the teams.

Grossman has played in 52 games this season for the Stars, notching five assists. The defenseman has 41 points in his five plus years of NHL service.

The Stars, in return, will receive a second-round pick in 2012 and a third-round pick in 2013.

The Philadelphia Flyers scored a convincing win over a key rival today, beating the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on the road, but they lost a key player in the process. Center Danny Briere is out indefinitely with a concussion, according to Philly GM Paul Holmgren.

#Flyers GM Paul Holmgren announced that Danny Briere is out indefinitely with a concussion

—
Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 21, 2012

Briere, a 14-year veteran and alternate captain for the Flyers, has 13 goals and 17 assists on the season.

The Flyers improved to 28-14-4 by beating the Devils. They are now tied with the Ottawa Senators with 60 points for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Rangers coach John Tortorella appeared unapologetically critical of the officiating after his team beat the Flyers, 3-2, in Monday’s Winter Classic. He called the handling of the third period “disgusting,” even suggesting NBC might have engineered a conspiracy to force overtime in the game.

Today, however, Tortorella backtracked and expressed regret for the harsh words he chose in the heat of the moment.

“I tainted the Classic with my mouth,” said Tortorella, according to the New York Times. “It was wrong with my sarcasm and frustration, and I apologize to everyone involved.”

Tortorella said that he’s already apologized for his remarks to several league executives, including NHL senior VP Colin Campbell and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren, and would like to apologize to the referees in person.

They were sarcastic comments by me at the wrong time, and it was frustration on my part,” he said. “Not for a second, in no way, time, shape or form did I think anything like that goes on with our league, or ever will. For me to question the integrity of the league, the integrity of NBC, the integrity of [officials Ian Walsh and Dennis Larue], the Flyers, the Rangers, go right on through all the people here — there’s not a chance I am thinking that way.”

Update: Tortorella has been fined $30,000 for his actions, according to ESPN.

The NHL has decided to push the Winter Classic from 1 p.m. Monday to 3 p.m., according to the Associated Press.

The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers will play at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and a change in the weather forecast forced the time switch.

Last season’s Winter Classic, which was in Pittsburgh, was also moved due to rain.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said today that injured star Claude Giroux is now listed as day-to-day, according to the team’s official Twitter account.

INJURY UPDATE: #Flyers GM Paul Holmgren says that Claude Giroux has made positive strides over the past few days & is now listed day-to-day

—
Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 20, 2011

Giroux was forced to exit a game Dec. 10 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after taking a knee to the head from teammate Wayne Simmonds. He has since been battling post-concussion symptoms, and has been forced to miss the team’s previous four games.

The 23-year-old currently is tied for the NHL lead in total points with 16 goals and 23 assists. Currently Henrik Sedin and Phil Kessel each have 39 points on the season as well, however they have both played in 33 games to Giroux’s 28.

Last season in 82 games Giroux scored 25 goals and tallied 51 assists for a team-leading 76 points. The Flyers are currently 20-8-4, which ranks them second overall the Eastern Conference standings.

Update (8:03 ET): The Flyers’ official team website has published a statement from GM Paul Holmgren confirming the report.  The statement in full:

“After consultation with respected concussion specialists Dr. Joseph Maroon and Dr. Micky Collins, it is the opinion of both doctors that Chris is suffering from severe post concussion syndrome. It is the recommendation of Doctors Maroon and Collins that Chris not return to play for the Philadelphia Flyers for the remainder of the 2011-12 season or playoffs.  Chris will continue to receive treatment and therapy with the hope that he can get better.”

Philadelphia Flyers captain Chris Pronger visited two Pittsburgh-based neurologists on Wednesday for details on a head injury that featured reported concussion-like symptoms.  According to a tweet from Philadelphia Daily News Flyers beat reporter Frank Seravelli, the report from the neurologists was as unfavorable as it gets, and Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren says that Pronger is done for the season.

BOMBSHELL: According to Paul Holmgren, Chris Pronger is out for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

—
Frank Seravalli (@DNFlyers) December 16, 2011

Pronger hasn’t played since November 19, although his condition at the time was described as a “virus”, and he has since undergone knee surgery during his downtime.  In 1999-2000, Pronger won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player, the first defenseman so honored in over 25 years.