Schenn, Lilja return to practice

MONTREAL _ For the first time since he suffered what the Flyers called a "mild concussion" on Dec. 3 against host Phoenix, rookie center Brayden Schenn practiced with the team on Wednesday.

Schenn said he felt much improved, but that it was "unrealistic" that he would be ready to play Thursday in Montreal.

Defenseman Andreas Lilja (ankle) skated for the first time since his injury and hinted that he may be able to play as soon as next week.

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The Flyers said they would have an update on Chris Pronger on Thursday _ after they conferred with the two concussion specialists who examined him Wednesday in Pittsburgh.

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HBO's 24/7, which chronicles the Flyers and Rangers en route to their Winter Classic meeting, will debut Wednesday at 10 p.m.

"Hopefully, I'm not swearing too much," Scott Hartnell said. "My mom and dad wouldn't be too proud of that."

Ironically, the Flyers do not get HBO at the Montreal hotel in which they are staying, the Sofitel.

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Jaromir Jagr's legend as a fitness freak is growing.

When the Flyers were staying in California recently, linemates Hartnell, Claude Giroux and Jagr roomed together.

"Me and Claude went to bed at 11:30, and Jaromir put on a 40-pound vest and said he was going for a run," Hartnell said. "It was like, 'Holy smokes, this guy is (almost) 40 years old and is doing this. He's incredible. Me and Claude looked at each other like, 'Should we go with him?' We're his linemates.'

"It's pretty cool just being a part of him and his legacy," Hartnell added. "I'm just fortunate to be on his line."

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Tom Sestito was also at practice. He was recalled from the Phantoms Tuesday to serve the two remaining games of his suspension, and he is expected to be returned to Adirondack on Friday.

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Giroux was named the city's athlete of the year by the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association. Giorux will be among those honored at a Jan. 30 banquet in Cherry Hill.

The 23-year-old center is in good company. Other Flyers winners include Bobby Clarke, Bernie Parent and Eric Lindros.

For ticket info, go to www.PSWA.org.

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Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter@BroadStBull.

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