Sean Couturier being evaluated for lower-body injury, Flyers to update status Monday

Things could be going from bad to worse for the Philadelphia Flyers. First-line center and reigning Selke Trophy winner Sean Couturier is being evaluated for a lower-body injury.

Flyers forward Sean Couturier (lower body injury) is being evaluated today. More information will be provided on Monday. pic.twitter.com/WyxSHekE1T

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 21, 2021

From the Flyers:

“Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier is being evaluated today and we will know more tomorrow.”

Ideally, you’d like to see an update that Couturier is simply day-to-day. An evaluation brings the potential for a more serious issue that could keep Couturier out long term.

Couturier was a late scratch for Saturday night’s game on Long Island after skating in pregame warmups.

“He has a lower-body injury,” Alain Vigneault said after Saturday’s game. “Tried this morning, thought he’d be alright tonight. Went out for warmup and him and [athletic trainer Jim McCrossin] discussed it and felt it was better for him not to play.”

Couturier’s absence was felt in the Flyers’ 6-1 loss to the Islanders, much like it was earlier this season. The Flyers went 5-3-2, were outscored 32-28, and outshot 328-238 in the 10 games Couturier missed from January 18 to February 5.

The Flyers are back in Philadelphia for a four-game homestand this week. They will finish their three-game series against the Islanders on Monday before facing the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. The Rangers then come to town for two games to close out the homestand.

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After an uninspiring 1-3-0 effort on their four-game road trip, the Flyers need to turn it around fast. Hopefully, Couturier can be a part of that. If not, the Flyers could be looking at another 1-3-0 stretch as their playoff hopes dwindle.

Photo: Heather Barry Images