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Monday, April 24, 2000 By Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- Roger Neilson will learn today if he can have his job back as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers when he meets with General Manager Bob Clarke.
Neilson, who has been vacationing in Dallas, was scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia last night, a team spokesman said. Neilson originally was scheduled to arrive Saturday and meet the GM yesterday, but he was delayed.
Clarke will not announce a decision on whether Neilson or interim coach Craig Ramsay will lead the team in the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Penguins until after the meeting.
The second round series will begin later this week.
Neilson, recovering from a stem-cell transplant for multiple myeloma, left the team Feb. 19 to pursue aggressive treatment of the rare form of bone marrow cancer he was diagnosed with in December.
He wanted to return for the first round of the NHL playoffs, but Clarke and Neilson's doctor, Isadore Brodsky, determined he wasn't ready. Neilson left for Dallas on April 14 because he felt he was a distraction.
The Flyers, under Ramsay, overcame a 15-point deficit to capture the top seed in the conference, then beat Buffalo in five games in the opening round.
Ramsay, who spoke with Neilson on Friday, maintained that he'll be comfortable with any decision management makes.
"I just show up and work, wear whatever hat I have to," Ramsay said.
Neilson was involved in a similar situation earlier in his career.
In 1982, he took over for Vancouver Canucks Coach Harry Neale, who was serving a suspension. The Canucks played well under Neilson in the playoffs, and Neale agreed to step aside as Neilson led the team to the Stanley Cup final.
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