As they await word on Kevin Hayes, the Flyers will be without him for a second straight game.

The Flyers (8-4-3) finish their three-game homestand Saturday when they host the well-rested Bruins (8-5-0).

Let's get into the essentials for the game:

• When: 7 p.m. ET with Flyers Pregame Live at 6:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Wells Fargo Center
• Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Live stream: NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports MyTeams app

• Alain Vigneault did not have an update Saturday morning on Hayes' status.

"Still waiting to hear back," the Flyers' head coach said. "Like I said, 48 to 72 hours before I know anything else."

The second-line center was surprisingly absent from the Flyers' 4-3 shootout loss Thursday night to the Lightning.

On Tuesday night, in his second game back from an abdominal surgery recovery, Hayes had to exit late in the second period. His right leg appeared to awkwardly buckle as he became tangled up with the stick of Flames forward Elias Lindholm. Hayes limped up the tunnel but was able to return for the third period as the Flyers went on to beat Calgary, 2-1, in overtime.

Not only do the non-updates make Hayes' absence mysterious right now, but so does the fact that he practiced Wednesday, was on the ice briefly for an optional skate Thursday and a mostly unconcerned Vigneault said that morning he expected Hayes to play.

"It's injury related, but again, as soon as I know more, you'll be the first to know," Vigneault said Saturday.

Hayes scored an emotional goal Tuesday. Including the playoffs, the Flyers have gone 31-3-2 when Hayes nets a marker.

"He's a pretty elite player for us," Joel Farabee said. "He brings a lot I think off the ice in terms of just his energy, how he lifts guys up and things like that. When he's not playing, it's definitely a hole to fill."

Max Willman, with the Flyers on an emergency loan, will play his second straight game.

"I think the story of this year has kind of been that next-man-up mentality," Farabee said. "Willy gets an opportunity, he's a really good player in my opinion. He's been playing really well down in Lehigh, too. Hopefully he can step up and we know he will."

In other health matters, fourth-liner Patrick Brown is in the process of deciding whether he'll rehab his dislocated thumb or undergo surgery.

• The Flyers are looking to avoid suffering consecutive losses for the first time this season. They're one of three NHL clubs that have yet to lose two games in a row, joining the Hurricanes and Oilers.

However, the Flyers' longest winning streak is two games and they've yet to win consecutive games in November.

The Bruins haven't played since last Sunday and are aiming for what would be a season-best three-game winning streak.

• Martin Jones is in net for the Flyers. He's off to a strong start at 3-1-0 with a 2.27 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

In his first regular-season game with his new club, Jones made 37 saves as the Flyers beat Boston, 6-3, at the Wells Fargo Center on Oct. 20.

Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark will face the Flyers. He's 3-3-0 on the season with a 3.01 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.

• It's Star Wars night at the Wells Fargo Center.

Projected lineup

 

Forwards

Joel Farabee-Sean Couturier-James van Riemsdyk

Claude Giroux-Derick Brassard-Cam Atkinson

Oskar Lindblom-Scott Laughton-Travis Konecny

Max Willman-Nate Thompson-Zack MacEwen

Defensemen

Ivan Provorov-Justin Braun

Travis Sanheim-Rasmus Ristolainen

Keith Yandle-Nick Seeler

Goalies

Martin Jones

Carter Hart

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