It turns out Brian Elliott would have started Saturday’s outdoor game regardless.
The Flyers announced early Saturday morning that rookie Carter Hart will miss at least the next 10 days with a lower-body injury.
It’s believed Hart sustained the injury during Friday’s practice at Lincoln Financial Field, but the Flyers haven’t confirmed when or where it took place.
A 10-day time period has Hart missing the next five games during a crucial stretch in which the Flyers face the Sabres and Blue Jackets, who are also fighting for playoff position.
Cam Talbot, acquired last week in a trade for Anthony Stolarz, will now serve as Elliott’s backup for tonight’s game against Pittsburgh.
We could see Talbot start Tuesday’s game against the Sabres, which would make him the eighth different goaltender to play for the Flyers this season.
Hart’s injury, if anything, takes a lot of pressure off interim head coach Scott Gordon, who was under some intense scrutiny for electing to start Elliott over the more popular Hart, who helped the Flyers climb back into playoff contention (see story).
NHL
If the 10-day timeframe holds up, Hart could return to the Flyers Feb. 6 against the Capitals, but more realistically would be the Feb. 9 game at the Islanders.
Here’s a list of the Flyers' goaltending injuries this season:
• Brian Elliott — 38 games missed (core muscle injury)
• Michal Neuvirth — 22 (undisclosed)
• Anthony Stolarz — 16 (lower-body injury)
• Alex Lyon — 1 (undisclosed)
• Carter Hart — 1 (lower-body injury)
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