Flyers Injury Updates: Nolan Patrick good to go; Carter Hart’s injury not ‘very serious’

The Philadelphia Flyers returned to the ice on Tuesday after a complete off-day on Monday. There have been a few key young players held out of the lineup recently, namely Carter Hart and Nolan Patrick.

Hart held out, injury not “very serious”

Hart tweaked something in Thursday night’s win against the Penguins and was a late scratch for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Capitals.

Carter Hart out with lower-body injury, Alex Lyon to start vs. Capitals

The young goalie struggled earlier this season, but April has been a better month for him.

Alain Vigneault gave an update on Hart’s status after practice on Tuesday.

“Not skating today,” Vigneault said. “He’s doing his rehab there and I don’t think that this is very serious.”

While it may be worrying that Hart hasn’t skated yet, Vigneault noting that the injury isn’t “very serious” is a good sign for the young netminder.

The Flyers have a back-to-back set in New York against the Rangers on Thursday and Friday this week. Perhaps Hart is ready to go for one of those games, or for the four-game series against the Devils after that.

Patrick “good to go” after taking puck to head

Patrick, on the other hand, is expected to return to the lineup for that back-to-back in New York.

Nolan Patrick leaves game after getting hit in head by shot

“As far as I’m concerned, he’s good to go,” Vigneault said of Patrick. “They were precautionary on the weekend, came in yesterday, worked out, had skated in the morning [on Sunday]. He’s in my practice group tomorrow and, in my estimation, what I understand from [trainer Jim McCrossin], is he’s good to go next game.”

Patrick himself backed that up with a simple “Yeah” when asked if he’ll be good to go on Thursday.

Patrick was hit in the head by a Philippe Myers shot in the third period of Thursday night’s win. It was a scary moment for the Flyers and Patrick.

“Obviously, it didn’t feel too nice, but I got lucky and I’m feeling good,” he said. “It was scary; hit me right in the ear. I didn’t have any headache issues the last couple of days.”

Patrick also discussed what he wants to accomplish for himself the rest of the season. He wants to continue to improve to find the top of his game in an up-and-down season. Hopefully, he can finish the season out strong to leave a good impression heading into the offseason.

Stay tuned for updates on Hart and Patrick after practice on Wednesday leading up to the back-to-back in New York to close out the week.

Photo: Heather Barry Images