Flyers' Mark Streit returns to lineup

SAN JOSE, Calif. - After sitting out 19 games following pubic-plate detachment surgery, Mark Streit returned to the Flyers' lineup Wednesday night in San Jose.

Streit was paired with Nick Schultz, and was also the quarterback on the second power-play unit.

"It's great to be back and I'm really excited," Streit said before the game, "but it's going to take a little time to feel comfortable and get used to the speed and the timing."

Streit played his first game since Nov. 12.

"He's a veteran and brings a lot of leadership in our lineup," center Sean Couturier said. "He calms things down out there."

Streit, 38, who had nine points in 16 games before being injured, said it was good to have long, back-to-to back practices the previous two days "with a lot of tempo. That will help me out because the game is a whole different story. I have the mind-set to keep it simple out there, play well defensively, and keep really short shifts."

The Switzerland native was reunited with Schultz.

"He's easy to play with, easy to read off of," Streit said. "There's chemistry and we talk a lot; it makes it easier for me to get back in."

Radko Gudas began the night fifth in the NHL - and second among defensemen - with 154 hits.

"He brings an edge and he's hard to play against," coach Dave Hakstol said. "We need to have that in our lineup. And along with that, you can't just bring one dimension. For Gudie, he needs to bring that every night, but he's got to be efficient in the rest of the game in terms of taking care of things in our own zone.

"When he has them all together, he's an effective player."

San Jose is reportedly showing interest in free-agent Mike Richards, the former Flyer. Sharks coach Peter DeBoer coached Richards for four seasons in juniors.

Richards, 30, is awaiting trial in January for allegedly trying to enter Canada with the painkiller oxycodone, a controlled substance.

Sam Gagner cleared waivers and was sent to the Phantoms. . . . Winger R.J. Umberger said some of the hockey websites inaccurately say he does not have a no-movement clause. He does have such a clause. Hence, the Flyers could not send him to the Phantoms. . . . Michael Del Zotto missed his second straight game with an injured left wrist, and Brandon Manning was a healthy scratch. . . . Michal Neuvirth was scheduled to make his first start in five games, but became ill, and was replaced by Steve Mason.