Vandermeer already a 'hit' in Philadelphia

Judging from what was in the newspapers in Philadelphia on Thursday, you'd think the Flyers acquired the second coming of Scott Stevens in the trade with the Blackhawks for defenseman Jim Vandermeer.

"Vandermeer ready to step up and hit," read the headline in the Philadelphia Daily News.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Inquirer had this to say: "Vandermeer is as tough as nails, brings positive energy and plays above his size."

At least one Hawks executive chuckled when told what they were saying in Philadelphia about Vandermeer.

"If he was all that, he'd still be here," the executive said.

The Hawks gave up on Vandermeer because of his refusal to play a consistent physical game.

The Inquirer also wasn't very flattering toward left winger Ben Eager, who came to the Hawks for Vandermeer.

"The trade appeared to be lopsided in the Flyers' favor," the Inquirer said. "Despite being 6-3, 225 pounds, Eager was unable to use his size or skating ability in a positive manner. He took numerous bad penalties that hurt the Flyers. He was a poor fighter, too."

Back up front: Dustin Byfuglien, who played defense in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over Nashville, was back at left wing Thursday at practice on the top line with Martin Havlat and Robert Lang.

"It doesn't say he's going to play there on Saturday (at Ottawa)," Hawks coach Denis Savard said. "It's good for him to practice up front; it's great for his conditioning.

"I like him as a forward. That's just me, and I make that call. I am undecided, but at the same time I'm decided that he's a forward, in my book."

Petri Kontiola, who played with Lang and Havlat against the Predators, centered the fourth line at practice with Martin Lapointe and Ben Eager.

Power aid: Denis Savard loaded up the power play in the third period against Nashville, using Jonathan Toews and Dustin Byfuglien at the points with Patrick Kane, Martin Havlat and Robert Lang down low.

Savard likely will use the same combination against Ottawa, plus mix in Patrick Sharp and Cam Barker.

Tip-ins: Defenseman Magnus Johansson is expected to report to Rockford for games this weekend before deciding whether he will return to Sweden. … Injured winger Rene Bourque will return to practice next week and likely return from his broken thumb Dec. 30 against Los Angeles. … Center Jake Dowell is about two weeks away from returning from his broken foot.