Flyers Notes: Flyers Carter, Powe, Carcillo sidelined by flu

The flu bug has bitten the Flyers.

Three forwards - Jeff Carter, Darroll Powe, and Dan Carcillo - missed Thursday's game against visiting Toronto because of the flu. That caused the Flyers to promote winger Ben Holmstrom from Adirondack and to use winger James van Riemsdyk, who had been doubtful because of an apparent groin injury.

"I think it's part of the season and the wear and tear that goes on - and there's not a lot you can do about it," coach Peter Laviolette said before the game. "It is what it is."

Holmstrom, 23, made his NHL debut, and Laviolette used him on the penalty kill. He began the night on a line with Blair Betts and Jody Shelley.

Betts returned after missing four games because of a lacerated left ring finger. Defenseman Chris Pronger, sidelined for one game because of a hand injury, also returned to the lineup.

Holmstrom, a 6-foot-1, 202-pounder, had 10 goals and 17 assists with the Phantoms.

The Flyers were able to recall him because there is no roster limit after the trade deadline. Before then, there was a 23-player limit. They did not, however, have enough salary-cap space to call up another player unless they used one of their two remaining emergency call-ups.

Holmstrom nearly made the team in training camp, which boosted his confidence.

"It was huge to get off on the right foot," Holmstrom said before facing the Leafs. "To get a chance to get comfortable around some of the guys, so it's not the first time you see faces and stuff. Hopefully, it makes tonight a little easier."

Laviolette was eager to see how much Holmstrom has progressed.

"He impressed a lot of people at training camp with his work ethic," the coach said. "I think, first and foremost, he's a real solid defensive player who works extremely hard on the ice. He served certain roles down in Adirondack, killing penalties and [taking] faceoffs, and we'll probably utilize him in that role tonight."

Holmstrom played 8 minutes, 6 seconds and recorded a game-high five hits. He was 3 for 10 on faceoffs.