Flyers Notes: Umberger relishes chance to take on Penguins again

CHICAGO - Flyers winger R.J. Umberger is returning home Wednesday to Pittsburgh, excited to renew the heated rivalry with the team he adored in his childhood, the high-scoring Penguins.

"It's going to mean a little more coming back and being a Flyer again," Umberger said before Tuesday's game in Chicago. "It's something I'm anxious to be part of again, like earlier in my career."

Umberger, who grew up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Plum Borough, spent the first three years of his NHL career with the Flyers before being dealt to Columbus and playing six seasons with the Blue Jackets. He returned to the Flyers in the offseason deal that sent Scott Hartnell to Columbus.

The Flyers have been dominant in Pittsburgh in recent years. Including the playoffs, they are 10-2-1 all-time at the Consol Energy Center, and 8-1-1 in the regular season.

"It's a true rivalry. I grew up in it, so I know how Pittsburgh fans feel about Philly," Umberger said. "And being a part of Philly for several years, I know what that's like, too. I know my parents have felt it. Wearing Philly jerseys and getting things thrown at them in the playoffs one year. It's heated, it's fun. I'm good friends with a sportswriter in Pittsburgh, Mark Madden, and that's all he does every day in the offseason - talk about how much he hates the Flyers."

Umberger, 32, is still devoted to the Steelers and Pirates, but his hockey allegiance has changed. "I grew up a big Penguins fan . . . but not anymore," he said.

Pittsburgh has a league-high six players averaging at least a point per game, led by Sidney Crosby (nine points in four games). The Penguins lead the NHL with an average of four goals per game.

Pittsburgh's power play ranks first in the NHL, clicking at a staggering 47.1 percent (8 for 17). The Flyers entered Tuesday with the league's No. 2 power play (31.8 percent).

Chicago's Dan Carcillo, an ex-Flyer, said his fiancee is expecting their first child - he will be named Austin, and is due Nov. 30 - and it has changed him. "You're playing for a family now - two other people and the dog," he said. "You have a little extra incentive.". . . . The Penguins will wear gold jerseys Wednesday for the first time since 1992. . . . In 48 career games against the Flyers, Crosby has 30 goals and 75 points. . . . Vinny Lecavalier (foot) may resume skating later this week.

GOING HOME

Flyers winger R.J. Umberger is excited to play the Penguins, the team he adored as a boy. D3.