Flyers vs. Lightning Preview: Weather the Storm
The injury bug has bit the Philadelphia Flyers in recent games, leaving them shorthanded for Thursday's overtime loss to Toronto and again on Saturday night as the homestand continues against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
It certainly doesn't help that the Lightning are as hot as it gets, winning eight straight games. They are also well-rested, having not played since Tuesday, making it that much more of a challenge for the Flyers.
Game time is at 7 p.m.
Matvei Michkov has three assists in the last four games, but has struggled to find consistency. With the Flyers battling multiple injuries, it's a chance for Michkov to step up.
Nikita Kucherov enters Saturday on an eight-game points streak and has picked up at least one point in 21 of his last 24 games. During that time, he has 47 points, including 13 of his 20 goals this season.
Sam Ersson gets the start for the Flyers. Ersson's last start was on New Year's Eve, making 21 saves on 26 shots in a loss to Calgary.
Andrei Vasilevskiy is expected to start for the Lightning. Vasilevskiy made 31 saves on 33 shots in a win over Colorado in his last start on Tuesday, Vasilevskiy is on a personal six-game winning streak. He has one shutout this season, which came against the Flyers on Nov. 24.
Projected Lineups
Lineup Notes
- Flyers: Both Jamie Drysdale and Bobby Brink skated in morning skate, both in non-contact jerseys. Drysdale was placed on IR retroactive to Tuesday, and Brink remains day-to-day. Travis Konecny, who is also day-to-day with an upper-body injury, was not on the ice for morning skate and is out for Saturday's game. Nic Deslauriers returns to the lineup for Konecny. Adam Ginning was recalled on Friday with Drysdale going on IR.
- Lightning: The Lightning are expected to use the same lineup as Tuesday's game.
Video Preview
Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.
