Flyers Notes: Backlund's Flyers debut dream, nightmare

PITTSBURGH - Flyers goalie Johan Backlund called his NHL debut in Pittsburgh yesterday a "dream come true" but acknowledged it also was a nightmare.

Backlund gave a good accounting of himself in two periods, allowing two goals - both on rebounds in which he was helpless - in a 4-1 loss to the Penguins. But he had to leave the game after two periods because he reinjured his left groin.

The Flyers are expected to recall Jeremy Duchesne from the AHL's Phantoms to be Brian Boucher's backup tonight against New Jersey.

Backlund made 22 saves and looked sharp, even though he suffered the injury late in the first period and played through the pain.

"A couple of minutes before their first goal, I was sliding to my left and I heard something snap there," Backlund said. "I wanted to continue and I had so much adrenaline that it felt OK, but it got worse and worse. I wanted to finish the game, but the second period it got pretty bad, so we made a decision to switch after the second period."

When Backlund was relieved by Boucher, the Flyers were trailing, 2-1.

"Under the circumstances, to come in here and you're playing against the defending champs in your first game, I thought he did a good job," coach Peter Laviolette said. "It's unfortunate what happened."

Backlund, 28, a former standout in the Swedish Elite League, said it was exciting to finally play in his first NHL game. But he sounded despondent about the recurring injury, which had sidelined him with the Phantoms two weeks ago.

Backlund became the first Swedish goalie to play for the Flyers since 1993-94, when Tommy Soderstrom had a 4.10 goals-against average in 34 games.

The Flyers were 0 for 4 on the power play and are now 0 for 20 in their last six games.

Despite the drought, they entered yesterday ranked third in the NHL with a 21.8 percent success rate.

The Flyers will hold fan appreciation night when they host the Devils tonight. After the game, the Flyers will present their game-worn jerseys to contest winners. More than $50,000 in prizes will be awarded.

The Flyers have averaged 19,511 fans per home game, 99.8 percent of arena capacity.

Jeff Carter, who had successful foot surgery Friday, will start his rehabilitation today. General manager Paul Holmgren said it was a long shot that Carter would be able to return before the regular season ends in two weeks. . . . Matt Carle missed his second consecutive game with a bruised left foot. . . . The Flyers have just one player ranked in the NHL's top 30 in hits - Dan Carcillo, who entered the game with 178, tied for 22d. The Penguins have four players in the top 30. . . . The Flyers are 24-22-4 under Laviolette. . . . They finished 1-4-1 against the Pens this season.

- Sam Carchidi