Wayne Simmonds hopes to play in season opener

Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds (17) crowds Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) as defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) defends during the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds (17) crowds Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) as defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) defends during the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wayne Simmonds proved to be crucial for the Philadelphia Flyers last season, and there’s hope that he will play in the season opener this week.

This Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Flyers will open up their season at home against the Boston Bruins- and alternate captain Wayne Simmonds hopes he’ll be in the lineup.

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In an interview with CSN Philly’s Tim Panaccio, Simmonds insisted that he’s unsure whether he can play opening night or not, but he’s taking the necessary steps to ensure that he’s prepared either way.

"“Just in case I am able to go Wednesday, you want to get today in,” said Simmonds, who went through about 75 minutes of practice at Charles Moore Arena."

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  • Simmonds, who is known as one of the Flyers’ most effective power forwards, has been out with a foot injury sustained during a pre-season matchup when he blocked a shot the wrong way. The extent of his injury has not been released, but he’s been wearing a boot recently- so his ability to play Wednesday is far from certain.

    Should the Flyers attempt to open up against the Boston Bruins without Wayne Simmonds in the lineup, the game will be a much harder fight for the metropolitan division team. He’s remaining positive about what his ability to make it through a full practice means for his chances, though. He suggested that the most important part is getting out there and skating in the first practice- they get easier after that.

    Whether he’s able to play or not, it seems clear that Simmonds is displaying the kind of work ethic that truly signifies his leadership on the team.

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