Ian Laperriere News and Photos
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - Game 1
Flyers 2 - Devils 1
Ian Laperriere - 1 Assist
In addition to his beautiful assist on Mike Richards' goal, Ian Laperriere also added 1 blocked shot and tied Matt Carle with a team-leading 4 hits in his 15:53 of ice time, as the Flyers defeated the Devils on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
NHL.com's Shift of the Game:
With the Flyers holding a 1-0 lead, Ian Laperriere blocked a clearing attempt by Devils defenseman Martin Skoula in the neutral zone, carried into the New Jersey end and made a highlight-reel, spin-o-rama feed off his backhand from above the right circle to a charging Mike Richards on the opposite wing. Richards, who alertly jumped off the bench, collected the puck and unleashed a slap shot from just above the left circle that deflected off Martin Brodeur's left skate and into the top far corner of the cage to give the Flyers a 2-0 advantage with 3:33 left in the second period.
New Jersey Devils David Clarkson falls between Philadelphia Flyers Kimmo Timonen and Ian Laperriere in the first period in game 1 round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center in New Jersey on April 14, 2010. (UPI/John Angelillo)
The Flyers Ian Laperriere and Kimmo Timonen put the crunch on the Devils David Clarkson in the 1st period. The New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers in game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center.
(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers is checked by Paul Martin #7 of the New Jersey Devils in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 14, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Flyers celebrate Mike Richards' second period goal against the New Jersey Devils.
(Yong Kim - Philadelphia Daily News/Inquirer Staff Photographer)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ian Laperriere reacts as he celebrates a second period goal by his teammate Mike Richards, as Simon Gagne and Braydon Coburn watch, during Game 1 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final hockey playoff series against the New Jersey Devils in Newark, New Jersey April 14, 2010. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers scores a second period goal on an assist from Ian Laperriere during the second period against the New Jersey Devils in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 14, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates a second period goal during the second period against the New Jersey Devils in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 14, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
A joyous Ian Laperriere celebrates teammate Mike Richards' goal, which he assisted on, with his teammates. (Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Philadelphia Flyers' goalie Brian Boucher celebrates with his teammates Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere after the Flyers defeated the New Jersey Devils in Game 1 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final hockey playoff series in Newark, New Jersey April 14, 2010. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
Chris Pronger, Brian Boucher, Ian Laperriere and Mike Richards react to the 2-1 win over New Jersey in Game 1 on April 14, 2010. (Courtesy of Flyers TV)
Watch the video here
Flyers Notes: Laperriere Flashes Some Style
(from CSNPhilly.com - 4/14/10)
Ian Laperriere is not known for clever or creative assists. Not with a puck, anyway.
Yet he dished one out in the second period of Wednesday's 2-1 Flyer victory over the Devils in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals that won't soon be forgotten...
Excerpt from "In The Room with Anthony SanFilippo"
(from the Delaware County Daily Times, 4/15/10)
As for Betts and Laperriere, they saw more ice time in Game 1 (15:15 and 15:53 respectively) than:
Dan Carcillo (11:31)
Claude Giroux (11:38)
Darroll Powe (12:51)
Arron Asham (8:29)
James van Riemsdyk (5:29)
Danny Briere (12:18)
So don't let anyone fool you into believing they're fourth liners. That duo is more important to the Flyers than mostly any pair of forwards you can put together.
Laperriere's Risky Pass Pays Off
(from the Bucks County Courier Times - 4/15/10)
Ian Laperriere gets paid $1.3 million to throw himself in front of pucks, not pass them on blind backhand plays.
But there the Flyers veteran was, making like Denis Savard on one of his patented spin-o-rama plays from the '80s, and setting up Mike Richards for what turned out to be the winning goal in the Flyers' 2-1 Game 1 victory over New Jersey on Wednesday night at the Prudential Center...
Lappy's Interview on Fox Sports Radio
Ian Laperriere called in to Tony Bruno's show on Thursday, April 15, 2010.
Click here to download his interview segment
(Right click, then choose "save link as" or "save target as")
No Teeth? No Problem for Flyers' Gritty Laperriere
(from the Philadelphia Inquirer - 4/16/10)
As the blood poured from his mouth, Ian Laperriere wasn't thinking about the seven teeth he'd just lost, the 100 or so stitches it would require to close the wound, or the prospect of having dinner through a straw for a while.
Instead, the first thought that crossed his mind was: How could he have been so stupid to block a slapshot with his face...
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - Game 2
Flyers 3 - Devils 5
In his 8:16 of ice time, Ian Laperriere contributed 1 shot and 1 hit, as the Flyers fell to the Devils on Frday, April 16, 2010 at the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
The Flyers Ian Laperriere gets the squeeze in between the Devils Travis Zajac and Jamie Langenbrunner in the 1st period. The New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers in game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Finals at the Prudential Center.
(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Paul Martin #7 of the New Jersey Devils battle hard for position in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 16, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers is checked high and hard by Matthew Corrente #32 of the New Jersey Devils in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 16, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andy Marlin/Getty Images)
The Devils Colin White shoves off the Flyers Ian Laperriere after crashing into the boards during the 3rd period. The New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers in game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Finals at the Prudential Center.
(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Laperriere and Betts Give Their All For Flyers
(from nhl.com - 4/17/10)
It takes a lot more than having a few teeth knocked out and taking 70-plus stitches over the lip to keep wing Ian Laperriere off the ice.
Perhaps that's what makes him one of the most appreciated players in and around the Philadelphia Flyers locker room these days...
The Art of Shot-Blocking
(from nhl.com - 4/17/10)
Philadelphia Flyers forwards Ian Laperriere and Blair Betts have spent their entire NHL careers stepping in front of 100-mph blasts.
They enjoy it and are considered two of the League's finer defensive forwards because of their willingness to sacrifice their bodies. Laperriere and Betts hope their ability on the back end can help lead the Flyers to a first-round upset of the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Round that resumes Sunday in Philadelphia...
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - Game 3
Flyers 3 - Devils 2 (OT)
Ian Laperriere added 3 hits, 1 takeaway and 1 blocked shot in his 12:52 of ice time as the Flyers defeated the Devils 3:35 into the extra session before 19,957 at Wachovia Center on Sunday, April 18, 2010.
From NHL.com, 4/18/10:
Philadelphia Flyers forward Ian Laperriere knew teammate Dan Carcillo was up to something when he hopped on the ice for his second shift of the overtime period against the New Jersey Devils in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Round on Sunday.
"He's sitting next to me (on the bench) and I tell him it's time to be a hero and looks at me and says, 'I got that one,' and he goes out and scores," Laperriere said. "Sometimes, it might not be the goal-scorer who gets the big goal, it's the grinder. You rise to the occasion in times like this and I'm happy for him and happy for us."
Philadelphia Flyers' Ian Laperriere tries to steal the puck from New Jersey Devils' Patrik Elias in the first period of an NHL first-round playoff hockey game, Sunday, April 18, 2010, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Referee Brad Meier is victimized by the fans during the game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 18, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the New Jersey Devils in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 18, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Dan Carcillo #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers is mobbed by his teammates Claude Giroux #28 and Ian Laperriere #14 after scoring the game-winning goal against the New Jersey Devils in overtime in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 18, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Devils 3-2. (Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Flyers' Daniel Carcillo, bottom, is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of an NHL first-round playoff hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Sunday, April 18, 2010, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Flyers' Ian Laperriere on how teammate Dan Carcillo told him he would score the winner in overtime right before it happened. (Courtesy of NHL.com)
Watch the video here
Flyers Captain Takes Laperriere's Verbal Jab in Stride
(from NHL.com's Devils vs. Flyers Blog - 4/19/10)
Ok, in case you missed it, let me fill you in on the gossip brewing from Flyers camp.
Following the Flyers 3-2 overtime victory over the Devils in Game 3 on Sunday, Ian Laperriere lauded the performance of captain Mike Richards. But, in addition to praising the captain, Laperriere also threw a playful verbal jab at Richards that certainly got the attention to the 4-5 reporters who happened to be listening.
"I'm the oldest on this team and I get goose bumps when I see (Richards) hit," Laperriere said. "He's got the worst body on the team. He might not be flashy like Crosby on the other side of the state, but he's as effective."
Whoa, hold on Ian. What do you mean "worst body?" Can you define that?
"Well (smiling), he's built like my 8-year-old son." Ouch!
Following the Flyers afternoon skate on Monday, Richards was asked if he had heard Laperriere's sly comment. Of course he did.
His response ...
"I told him last night that when I was 16-years-old I was told never bench press a puck into the net, so I guess there's no need to worry about that too much," Richards retorted.
--Mike G. Morreale
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - Game 4
Flyers 4 - Devils 1
Ian Laperriere led all Flyers' forwards with 3 blocked shots in his 12:19 of ice time as the Flyers defeated the Devils on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at the Wachovia Center. He also added 1 hit and 1 takeaway. The underdog Flyers, who finished 15 points behind the Devils in the Eastern Conference, are suddenly one victory away from advancing into the conference semifinal round for the first time in two seasons.
Devils' Zainius Zubrus collides with Flyers' Kimmo Timonen and Ian Laperriere as Brian Boucher blocks a shot by Zubrus in the 2nd period of game 4 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center. (Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils skates against Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 20, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Devils 4-1 to take a three games to one lead in their best of seven series.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac)
Flyers' Ian Laperriere blocks New Jersey Devils' Brian Rolston's third period power play shot. (Yong Kim/Philly.com Staff Photographer)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers attempts to block a shot from Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 20, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against Colin White #5 of the New Jersey Devils in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 20, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac)
Brian Boucher #33 and Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrate after defeating the New Jersey Devils in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 20, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Devils 4-1 to take a three games to one lead in their best of seven series. (Photo by Jim McIsaac)
Excerpt from Flyers Look For Every Advantage - Even Jewelry
(from the Philadelphia Inquirer - 4/20/10)
A handful of Flyers have started wearing Power Balance bracelets, hoping they help their performances during games.
The little silver discs contain two Mylar holograms, similar to the material on a compact disc, that are embedded with frequencies that react with an individual's electromagnetic field, according to the product's online description.
Proponents say it helps increase strength and flexibility.
"Energy-wise, it's supposed to help your balance," winger Ian Laperriere said after Monday's practice at the Skate Zone in Voorhees. Flyers trainer Jim McCrossin "just got them and asked if we wanted to try them. Two days ago, I put it on. I played with it for the first time" in Sunday's 3-2 OT win over New Jersey.
Laperriere said he felt a jolt of adrenaline in that game, but said he wasn't sure if it was because of the situation, or the bracelets.
"It's the playoffs - you should have energy," he said.
Did he feel a hat trick was in his future?
"I don't know about that. Maybe three blocked shots," he said, with a laugh.
--Sam Carchidi
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals - Game 5
Flyers 3 - Devils 0
Ian Laperriere led all Flyers' forwards with 2 hits in his 12:00 of ice time as the Flyers defeated the Devils and advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Excerpt from AP Reports, 4/22/10:
Brian Boucher's series-clinching shutout and Ian Laperriere's battered and bloodied face are the only pieces of evidence necessary to show why the Philadelphia Flyers are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
It came with a price as Laperriere was left with a nasty cut over his right eye that took 60-70 stitches to close after he went down to block Paul Martin's shot in the third period.
Footage of Lappy's injury, courtesy of Stevelindsay53
(WARNING: Graphic video, lots of blood...and graphic photos below!)
The Flyers Ian Laperriere keeps the puck away from the Devils Ilya Kovalchuk as he moves down the ice in the 1st period. The New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers in game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center.
(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers handles the puck against Colin White #5 of the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center at on April 22, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey.
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers goes to the ice while skating against Bryce Salvador #24 of the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center at on April 22, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The Flyers Ian Laperriere bends over in pain after getting hit in the head by the puck in the 3rd period. The New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers in game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center.
(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
Bleeding badly from above his right eye, the Flyers Ian Laperriere bends over in pain after getting hit by the puck in the 3rd period. The New Jersey Devils play the Philadelphia Flyers in game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center.
(Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger)
(Yong Kim/Philly.com Staff Photographer)
Philadelphia Flyers' Ian Laperriere is attended to by a trainer as Flyers Braydon Coburn (5) and linesman Brad Kovachik (71) look on after Laperriere was hit by a puck blocking a shot against the New Jersey Devils during the third period of an NHL first-round playoff hockey game Thursday, April 22, 2010 in Newark, N.J. The Flyers beat the Devils 3-0 to win the series 4-1.
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Ian Laperriere #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts after being injured in the second period by Colin White #5 of the New Jersey Devils in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center at on April 22, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Flyers' Ian Laperriere shows off his face after getting hit by a puck during the third period against the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals playoffs.
(Yong Kim/Philly.com Staff Photographer)
Post-Game Interview - Part 1 (Courtesy of NHL.com)
Post-Game Interview - Part 2 (Courtesy of NHL.com)
Post-Game Interview With Steve Coates (Courtesy of CSNPhilly.com)
Excerpt from CSN's John Finger's "Finger Food" Blog - 4/23/10:
Just don't equate the term "hockey player," with "stupid." Though his eye was stitched back together, swollen and presumably full of anesthetic while blood stains and scratches from past battles were flecked on his face, the hockey player didn't want to hear about the inanity of his act. In fact, still dressed in his uniform undergarments and soaked with sweat and blood, Laperriere asked a scribe who questioned his mental capacity if he wanted, "to take it outside?"
Excerpt from Blocking Shot With His face, Ian Laperriere Showed Why Flyers Wanted Series More
(from the New Jersey Star-Ledger - 4/22/10)
Nothing illustrated the Flyers' passion and desire in their five-game playoff victory over the Devils than Ian Laperriere's willingness to put his face in front of a Paul Martin slap shot at 4:56 of the third period Thursday night.
Laperriere was hit above the right eyebrow, suffering a gash that required 60-70 stitches. He said he did not believe he suffered a head injury, but vowed never to play another game without a visor.
"The amount of shots we blocked..." Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said. "I guarantee Lappy would've been back on the bench if they could've gitten him stitched up in time."
Laperriere left a trail of blood on the Prudential Center ice. --Rich Chere
More Articles
Panaccio: Laperriere Again Shows Toughness
(from CSNPhilly.com - 4/22/10)
Laperriere Makes Sacrifice for Flyers
(from the Philadelphia Daily News - 4/23/10)
Laperriere Willing To Trade Pain For Victory
(from NHL.com - 4/23/10)
Laperriere Faces Puck, Gets Stitches
(from the Courier-Post - 4/23/10)
Flyers' Laperriere Faces The Rather Unsightly Facts
(from the Delaware County Daily Times - 4/23/10)
Phil Sheridan: Reputation Is All Sewn Up
(from the Philadelphia Inquirer - 4/23/10)
THE FLYERS ADVANCE TO ROUND 2!!
Now, with the Eastern Conference semifinals not beginning until at least next Thursday, Laperriere will have plenty of time for his wounds to heal.
"We didn't want to give that team any life at all," Laperriere said. "It's also nice to get some extra rest. Any time you can get some days off in the playoffs, you welcome that."
Laperriere's sacrifice earned the Flyers an extra rest.
"You don't win when guys aren't paying the price," Brian Boucher said. "Without him, we're not going to the second round. We'd be dead."
(Philadelphia Daily News, 4/23/10)