Flyers could get multiple players back from COVID-related absences this weekend

The Philadelphia Flyers are getting some more reinforcements.

The Flyers already got their captain back as Claude Giroux returned to the lineup in a big way on Wednesday night.

Claude Giroux reminded everyone just how good he is Wednesday night

Defenseman Justin Braun was removed from the list on Wednesday and was on the ice for the Flyers’ optional morning skate. He was unavailable for the game, but he should be ready for this weekend’s two-game set in Buffalo.

Braun confirmed that he had COVID. “It was tough, probably four or five days I was not in good shape.” However, Braun was able to recover and said that he feels good and was happy to be back on the ice on Wednesday. “Hopefully, Saturday I can get back in there and get back to a little normalcy.”

Jakub Voracek was removed from the list on Thursday and could also return this weekend. The team had an off day on Thursday, so there was no practice, but Voracek likely hit the ice on his own after spending two weeks on the COVID Protocol list.

The Flyers now only have three players on the COVID Protocol list: Travis Konecny, Scott Laughton, and Oskar Lindblom.

The road ahead

Once the Flyers get those three guys back, they’ll be full steam ahead. Konecny may be the latest to join the group as he was added to the COVID list on February 14th, making this Sunday the two-week mark.

Both Laughton and Lindblom were added to the COVID list on the 12th, making today (Friday) the two-week mark. It wouldn’t be surprising to see either or both players return soon – with an outside chance of them returning this weekend.

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The Flyers made due while missing players due to COVID-related absences. They got a point in last week’s game against the Rangers, we’ll forget about the loss at Lake Tahoe, and they bounced back with a big win over the Rangers on Wednesday night. Getting Giroux back definitely helped, and getting those three other forwards back will help shore up the bottom six.

The Flyers have a back-to-back set of weekend matinees in Buffalo against the Sabres. Hopefully, Jakub Voracek will be ready to go. Laughton and Lindblom could join him.

Saturday’s puck drop is at 1:00 p.m. EST, and Sunday’s is at 3:00 p.m. EST.

Photo: Heather Barry Images