Andrew Alberts News

Simply put, it's the worst kept secret in the National Hockey League. The Winter Classic on Jan.

With the Flyers having already made headlines due to the Ray Emery signing and rumors of others to follow, next week's draft doesn't seem to be getting much public play.

Although some mock drafts have the Flyers selecting a goalie with their first-round pick next week, general manager Paul Holmgren said yesterday that the club probably would not choose a goaltender with its top choice.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren met with the media this afternoon to touch on a number of topics.

This offseason has been very confusing for the Philadelphia Flyers. They signed a troubled goaltender in Ray Emery, who was exiled from the NHL last year, to a one-year contract.

Though all signs point to the Flyers signing controversial goalie Ray Emery, general manager Paul Holmgren yesterday said both sides are still negotiating.

NHL that the Flyers are deep in discussions with Emery and, barring a last-minute breakdown, will sign the goalie when free agency opens in July.

The only problem is the salary number. Knuble made 2.8 million last year, and had about the same stats as Hartnell or Lupul, both of whom are making upwards of 4 million per year.

Marty Biron wants a long-term contract with the Flyers. But do they want him? More importantly, can they afford him? As players packed their bags and cleaned out their lockers Tuesday at the SkateZone -- some for the final time -- Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren began laying the groundwork for next season.

Flyers center Mike Richards confirmed Wednesday that he will undergo surgeries to repair torn labrums in his right and left shoulders and that he will need about 12 weeks to recover from the procedures.

Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren knows making the necessary changes for next season will not be easy.

AS TEAM breakup days go for the Flyers, yesterday was about average. There was no incredible upheaval as in 2002, when the players launched a revolt that resulted in firing coach Bill Barber.

Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy tries to flip the puck past Flyers goaltender Martin Biron as Randy Jones defends him.

One of the most obvious storylines of this first-round playoff series between the Flyers and Penguins has been the hitting.

C Mike Richards took 14 shots -- five of them stopped by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, five more blocked by various other Penguins and four that missed the net.

Old-time hockey got the Philadelphia Flyers back in their playoff series against Pittsburgh.

PHILADELPHIA ? "Sweet Home Alabama" may be Jared Ross' unofficial theme song, but the Flyers' rookie center looked pretty comfortable in his adopted home Sunday afternoon.

The Penguins were the better team in Game 1 against the Flyers, in part because they were the more disciplined team.

PITTSBURGH ? The blank expressions spoke volumes about the mind-set that has the Flyers caught in an endless loop of frustration.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby skates around Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrew Alberts in the second period of an NHL hockey first-round playoff game in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, April 15, 2009.