PHILADELPHIA — Flyers goalie Ray Emery is scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair a torn muscle in his lower abdomen. He will miss about six weeks.
The Flyers, who had lost five in a row and eight of nine before defeating the Islanders on Tuesday, recalled goalie Johan Backlund from the Adirondack Phantoms, but will rely heavily on Brian Boucher.
Emery hadn’t been playing well, and was pulled from Saturday’s game against the Capitals after allowing five goals.
General manager Paul Holmgren said the injury played a part in Emery’s slump.
“You know how hard he practices,” Holmgren said. “He’s been trying to fight through this, but couldn’t practice the way he normally does, and his game suffered. He’s a down young man and feels he let his team down.”
The Flyers were aware of the injury since November, Holmgren said, and tried rehabilitation and cortisone injections. However, Emery’s condition deteriorated to the point where surgery became the only option.
Emery, 27, is 11-8-1 with a 2.83 goals-against average and .901 save percentage.
Hurricanes activate Ward
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Hurricanes activated goalie Cam Ward from the injured list.
Ward missed 13 games after he was cut on the leg by a skate in a game at Columbus on Nov. 7. He is eligible to play tonight at New Jersey.
Blues, Jackets make trade
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Blue Jackets acquired defenseman Brendan Bell and forward Tomas Kana from the Blues in exchange for forward Pascal Pelletier.
The Associated Press
