Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter both need surgery

Philadelphia Flyers’ Jeff Carter (17) celebrates after the game-winning goal by teammate Simon Gagne (not shown) gets past New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30), as both he and teammate Patrik Elias (26), of the Czech Republic, react as the Flyers defeated the Devils 3-2 in overtime in an NHL hockey game at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

AP

I already mentioned the fact that Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne are suffering from foot injuries, but it turns out that the situations are severe enough that both will need surgery on Friday according to TSN.

Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter both suffered foot injuries in the contest, and both will have surgery on Friday.

According the Flyers, Gagne could return to action in three weeks, while Carter is out indefinitely.

“Indefinitely” is one of those vague injury descriptions that probably means “definitely not coming back in the playoffs” although I could be wrong. Either way, I’d imagine that the Flyers better get used to playing without two of their most dangerous forwards.

Ville Leino will likely take at least one of the spots at forward. The Flyers have a number of call-ups from the Phantoms that could also play, including Andreas Nodl and David Laliberte.

You never know, this could be the kind of bad break that can swing a series. At best, it makes the Flyers potential fodder in the second round ... especially if it ends up being, say, the Washington Capitals. Either way, it’s a tough break for a Flyers team that has shown some mettle but also shot itself in the foot more than its fair share.

Are these the “breaks” that the Devils needed?