Spotlight on Mike Richards: In a recent article in The Hockey News, Richards drew many favorable comparisons to Flyers legend Bobby Clarke. Richards plays with an edge, as do many Flyers players, which is in the mold of both Clarke and his successor as general manager, Paul Holmgren.
NOTEBOOK
Avalanche: The news is not encouraging on Avalanche captain Joe Sakic. Out the past three games with a groin injury, Sakic will not play tonight and the team said he will be “re-evaluated” this weekend. Jose Theodore will get the start in net tonight. His most recent start resulted in a 3-2 loss at home to San Jose on Monday. Avs defenseman Jordan Leopold (fractured wrist) participated in a full-contact practice Thursday but is not ready to return. His playing status is day to day.
Flyers: Philadelphia is coming off a solid 3-1 victory at Minnesota on Wednesday night. Antero Niittymaki got the win in goal, but Martin Biron is expected to get the start against the Avs. The Flyers have gotten points in their past three appearances at the Pepsi Center. Forward Simon Gagne has been out in recent weeks because of a concussion and won’t play tonight.
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
