The Flyers are promising a different experience for their fans this season, and they apparently intend to show it from the start, their Oct. 13 home opener against the Islanders.

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First, there was the pre-practice injury report, where a statement issued under the doctorial stamp of Andy Reid indicated that Shawn Andrews was "making progress" with his latest ankle injury.

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On yet another blistering morning of heat and hitting drills at Lehigh University, Jeremiah Trotter was slamming his teammates, dancing with the crowd and generally looking young enough to enjoy it.

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Flyers fans will have to wait a little longer than usual to get a look at their latest new-look team. After the season starts, they'll have to wait a lot more.

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If the sports world was ruled by public relations rather than some semblance of logic and reason, Rick Tocchet's coaching career would already be finished instead of relegated to its current state of limbo.

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VORHEES, N.J. - The bittersweet Buffalo win had been digested like so many butter cream bunnies that didn't belch back. But Mike Knuble wasn't going to kick into any sweet dreams just yet.

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VORHEES, N.J. -- Players are told by colleagues, coaches and themselves that preseason games are for self-instruction and team construction rather than inner apprehension.

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman can try to legislate fighting from the league, but it'll be years before the fisted culture is completely siphoned from its players.

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