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Jan 21, 2003

Flyers RW Williams to undergo season-ending knee surgery

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PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - Philadelphia Flyers right wing Justin Williams is scheduled to undergo reconstructive left knee surgery on Thursday and will miss the rest of the season, the team announced Monday night.

Williams was injured in the second period of Saturday's 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay. Team officials hoped he could rehabilitate the knee, but the 21-year-old sought a second opinion in Toronto.

"Justin talked with another surgeon up in Toronto and he has decided to have the surgery now rather than waiting until the end of the season," team physician Dr. Peter DeLuca said.

DeLuca will perform the 90-minute procedure to rebuild Williams' ACL at Hahnemann University Hospital.

"It's usually a long rehab period, anywhere between four months up until even eight months until he strengthens his leg muscles," DeLuca said.

While DeLuca left open the possibility of Williams returning for the playoffs, general manager Bob Clarke dismissed it.

A 2000 first-round draft pick, Williams is tied for fifth on the team in scoring with eight goals and 15 assists in 40 games.