Berube thinks other Flyers fit role better than returning Lecavalier

The Philadelphia Flyers will welcome frequent healthy scratch Vincent Lecavalier back into the line-up Saturday in their contest against the San Jose Sharks, but only thanks to an injured Wayne Simmonds.

A former Stanley Cup champion and top scorer in the league, Lecavalier has struggled this season for the Flyers, limiting his ice time, especially at his natural center position.

"I'm not sure he's had problems with the system," head coach Craig Berube told Dave Isaac of the Courier Post. "The middle of the ice in our system is a lot of work. You have to be back. You have to really skate and be back and play both ends of the ice. It takes a lot of effort. I've found that (Claude) Giroux, (Sean) Couturier and (Pierre-Edouard) Bellemare fit that role better."

Berube made it clear that it wasn't Lecavalier's effort that was a concern and more so that other players were better fits.

"It takes a lot of work to play both ends of the ice like that. I didn't say Vinny had an effort problem. He's worked hard, Vinny. His attitude's been great," said Berube.

"I said to you that Giroux, Couturier and Bellemare fit the role better. That's all."

Lecavalier has 18 points in 51 games for a Flyers squad that has no chance of making the playoffs.