PHILADELPHIA -- The team game for the Philadelphia Flyers has never looked better this season than it does right now as they stand on the brink of advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinal Round.

But that synergy will be put to the test in Game 5 against the New Jersey Devils when they're forced to carry on without the services of one their veteran leaders in Simon Gagne and their top sniper in Jeff Carter.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren issued the following statement Wednesday morning:

"Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne both suffered injuries to their right foot in Tuesday night's game. Neither will be available to play Thursday, and both players are listed as day-to-day."

The Flyers take a 3-1 series lead back to Newark with a chance to close out the Devils on Thursday at Prudential Center (7 p.m. ET).

Gagne, who had been part of one of the most productive and energetic lines in this series alongside center Mike Richards and Daniel Carcillo, was forced to leave Game 4 with 7:51 remaining in the second period after taking a Brian Rolston slap shot off his left ankle.

Gagne saw 16 shifts totaling 10:52 of ice time, including long stretches on the power-play and in penalty-killing situations. He had two assists in four games against the Devils.

Carter, who led the team in goals (33) during the regular season and had connected for his two in Tuesday triumph, missed eight games at the end of the regular season with a fractured left foot.

It's possible Carter was injured after being hit by shot from the point by teammates Chris Pronger at the 9:28 mark of the third period. The shot was rebounded into the net by Carter with his team working a 5-on-3 advantage.

Author: Mike G. Morreale | NHL.com Staff Writer