Hatcher's recovery seems to be right on schedule

For a guy who has just missed the last seven games and is looking to be out at least five more, Derian Hatcher is in a pretty good mood these days.

That might be because his right knee feels good again and the outlook for his return the week of Nov. 26 seems to be on schedule. Hatcher had the stitches removed from his knee Friday and could begin skating next Monday.

"It feels unbelievable," Hatcher said yesterday, before the Flyers' 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. "There was some loose cartilage in there and they went in and cleaned it out and it feels great. There is no swelling and no fluid."

Hatcher still believes he injured himself during a postgame workout last month. He tried to play on it but because fluid kept building up, he had to have arthroscopic surgery.

Because the procedure was his eighth knee surgery, there was concern the doctors would find more damage than anticipated. But that was not the case and Hatcher believes he'll soon be back on the ice.

"They still want to keep me on the 4-weeks schedule, but I'm hoping to get back on the ice next Monday," he said. "We'll know more then. I'm biking and lifting and I'll start side-to-side stuff this week."

Hatcher said he has been somewhat frustrated missing games, but is breathing easier knowing the team is playing well.

"It always makes it easier when the team is hanging in there and doing well, but it is what it is and I have to take care of it and take care of it properly," Hatcher said.

So far the Flyers have held their own on the back end with Hatcher out. They've used Rory Fitzpatrick as the sixth defenseman and have had rookie call-up Nate Guenin in as well. But coach John Stevens is looking forward to having "Big Hatch," as he calls him, back on the bench, especially against teams like the Devils and Rangers.

"I can't believe how well he feels," Stevens said. "He had so much discomfort prior to having it worked on. We're cautiously optimistic. He hasn't done any lateral movement yet, but certainly the early signs are good. You miss him, especially [in a game against] Jersey."

The Rangers' Jaromir Jagr didn't miss him when the teams played a week ago. Through the years, Hatcher has been able to keep the big, talented Czech at least looking over his shoulder, if not off his game.

"I've hit him pretty good a couple of times through the years," Hatcher said, laughing.

If Sami Kapanen (right knee sprain) had his way, he probably would have played last night. "He was thinking he felt good enough to play," John Stevens said yesterday. "I said no way. That was too early. He's a possibility for Thursday [against the Rangers]. [Kapanen] was eager to get back in. But I talked to [trainer Jim McCrossin] and we're thinking get him skating [possibly today] and see how he does." *

If Sami Kapanen (right knee sprain) had his way, he probably would have played last night. "He was thinking he felt good enough to play," John Stevens said yesterday. "I said no way. That was too early. He's a possibility for Thursday [against the Rangers]. [Kapanen] was eager to get back in. But I talked to [trainer Jim McCrossin] and we're thinking get him skating [possibly today] and see how he does." *