How the Flyers spent their 'vacation'

Friday May 09, 2008 @ 01:09 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Flyers had six full days between eliminating the Montreal Canadiens and starting the Eastern Conference Final on Friday.

That much time off isn’t a normal thing for this time of year. Usually players get into a play-every-other-day routine. And pro athletes are nothing if not creatures of habit.

But the schedule went the way it went, so I decided to make the rounds of the Flyers’ locker room over the last few days and asked a variation of the question your third-grade teacher used to ask – “How did you spend your mini-vacation?”

None of the married players admitted getting a “honey-do” list. For most, it was an opportunity to spend more time than usual with the wife and kids.

Martin Biron, who added a daughter to his family during first-round series against Washington, put spending time with her at the top of his list.

“I had a list of things I wanted to do (around the house), but with a few days off, I just realized I wanted to enjoy it and spend time with the kids.”

Sami Kapanen, a married father of four, also wanted to make sure he spent quality family time.

“I try to help my wife out with every-day things,” he said. “So many activities with the kids. Get to see some of it. Make sure I get to do the driving. Make sure I spend some time with her, one-on-one. It goes so quick.”

Not every player’s family is local. When Vinny Prospal was traded by Tampa to the Flyers the day before the trade deadline, he packed his clothes but left the family in Florida. But with a day off Tuesday, he made a surprise trip home.

“I got permission to go to Tampa for one day and I surprised my wife,” he said. “I spent a day at home and it was incredible for me. Had a chance to spend some time down there and it was great for me, spending quality time with the family.”

Scottie Upshall spent time with his younger brother. Brent Upshall has been staying with Scottie for three weeks – and as well as Scottie has been playing, young Brent should plan on staying a little longer.

Patrick Thoreson, who was claimed off waivers by the Flyers at the trade deadline, also has been entertaining his brother. The two spent the week playing tennis on the courts outside the hotel Thoreson has been staying in. He figured getting out in the sun and getting some exercise was better than going to the movies.

Randy Jones also took advantage of the nice weather.

“I like doing housework, yard work,” said defenseman Rand Jones. “It was nice to have some sunshine out there. Just did some yard work.”

Joffrey Lupul was able to enjoy the Cinco de Mayo holiday with friends.

“I got a lot of extra sleep in,” he said. “I got to do a little celebrating, went out for Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo.”

When the plane left Philadelphia for Pittsburgh Thursday afternoon, though, their vacation was over. And I’m certain the common thought was, not a moment too soon.

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