Flyers right winger R.J. Umberger, sidelined since blocking a Blake Wheeler shot Nov. 7 in Winnipeg, returned to practice Thursday, a first step toward returning to the lineup.
"It felt better than expected; it was a good first time, and hopefully I can be able to build from it and get in position to play soon," said Umberger, who suffered an apparent foot injury.
His return to action has been slower than he had hoped.
"My timetable was two weeks ago," he cracked.
He has watched the Flyers' offense collapse; they haven't scored an even-strength goal in four-plus games, and they are averaging a league-low 1.