Gagne in ... or is he?

There's no question how important Simon Gagne is to the Flyers' offensive attack. Although Danny Briere looked much more alive in Washington Friday night with newly returned Scottie Upshall by his side, the Flyers' power play is much more dangerous with Gagne playing it on the wing and Briere firing passes from around and behind the net.

Today, Gagne forgot all about the concussion symptoms which have dogged him for more than a week (since Florida's Jay Bouwmeester gave him a nice bump) and practiced in full with the Flyers in Voorhees.

Afterward he said he "felt good out there," and said if that happy feeling continues he'll be able to play against the Rangers on a Monday night in New York. But Flyers coach John Stevens is expressing caution, saying some guys that have "symptoms" -- nobody uses that C Word around here -- can be cleared and pass baseline tests like Gagne did, only to practice and have the symptoms return.

So essentially, if Gagne gets to New York tomorrow morning feeling the same way he did this morning, he'll probably play, but on limited shifts. Upshall, whose regular role is now as Jeff Carter's off wing across from Sami Kapanen, should be double shifted on occasion.