Flyers welcome back ace penalty killer Betts

When defenseman Matt Carle says teammate Blair Betts, the Flyers' fourth-line center and penalty-killing whiz, "adds another defensive dimension," he is not overdosing on hyperbole.

With Betts in the lineup, the Flyers are 3-0; without him, they are 2-4-1.

So it is with open arms that the Flyers will welcome Betts for today's 1 p.m. game against visiting Carolina.

The Blair Betts Project will be back in session.

Betts has missed the last seven games with a dislocated right shoulder.

"He just adds another defensive dimension for us," Carle said. "He's great on face-offs, and he kind of gives a break to [Mike Richards] and [Jeff Carter] on the penalty kill.

"He's responsible defensively, and he makes simple plays and is a smart hockey player."

Betts, 29, had his 2008-09 season with the New York Rangers end during the playoffs when he was leveled by Washington's Donald Brashear and suffered a broken orbital bone and concussion. Then came this season's early injury, also against Washington.

Betts is excited to return to the lineup.

"It's tough to feel a part of the team when you're not really around the guys," he said.

With Betts contributing valuable minutes, the Flyers killed 16 of 18 penalties in the first three games.

Coach John Stevens says he has a new appreciation for Betts.

"After watching him play here, it's not surprising that the Rangers were one of the top penalty-killing teams in the league the last few years," Stevens said. "He wills his way to get in front of shots and in the passing lanes. He's really competitive on face-offs. He thinks the game, and, defensively, you can play him against anybody."

Added Stevens: "He's never going to be a big scorer, but he's such a good checker that he brings a lot of value to your team."

Betts dislocated his shoulder late in a 6-5 win over the Capitals on Oct. 6.

"Training camp was a little bit of a battle, and I was just starting to feel better and a little more comfortable on the ice," Betts said, "and then I get set aside with an injury, but I'm looking forward to getting back in the lineup."

Being mentally sharp today, Betts said, will be more challenging than the physical aspect.

"You've been out of game situations for a number of weeks now, and you just have to concentrate a little extra harder and make sure you go over things the coaching staff has set in place," he said.

Breakaways. Kimmo Timonen figures to be paired with Ryan Parent, and Braydon Coburn with Danny Syvret today. Timonen (minus-10) and Coburn (minus-9) have struggled as a duo. "You can't look at the past," Timonen said. "It's over, and the next 10 games I have to be better and, hopefully, the team is better.". . . Ray Emery (2.62 GAA) will be in the nets today. Cam Ward (2.89 GAA ) has played in all 11 games for the 2-6-3 Hurricanes, who are off to their worst start since 1997-98, their first year in Carolina. . . . Carolina left winger Erik Cole is out with a broken leg. . . . The Flyers are 4-0-2 in their last six games against the 'Canes.