Carter Hart won’t travel with Flyers to New York due to mild knee sprain

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart will not travel with the team to New York for their two-game set against the Rangers.

Hart tweaked something in last Thursday’s win in Pittsburgh and was a late scratch for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Capitals. On Tuesday, Alain Vigneault said that he doesn’t think Hart’s injury is very serious. However, it will keep him out for a bit longer than the team initially thought.

“For Carter, it’s just taking a little longer than what we originally had anticipated. It’s not serious, but it’s just taking a little longer. Hopefully in the next few days, he’s back on the ice with his teammates,” Vigneault said.

“I’m hoping that when we come back from New York he’ll be skating with us. But his knee is just taking a little longer than what we originally anticipated. He’s day-to-day and hopefully, when we get back from New York he’ll be back with his teammates.”

Vigneault revealed that Hart has a minor knee sprain, but reiterated that it’s nothing serious.

“I’m not concerned at all,” Vigneault said when asked about Hart’s injury. “It’s a mild sprain to his knee … He’s had the [doctors] look at him, he’s had the MRI, there’s nothing serious.”

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

The Flyers played it safe with Nolan Patrick over the weekend and it’s the right thing to play it safe with Hart as well. The team isn’t in the playoff picture and is looking to the offseason, there’s no reason to rush Hart –– or anyone –– back until he’s ready.

Brian Elliott and Alex Lyon will be the two goalies for the Flyers on their road trip to New York. It’s safe to assume that each goaltender will get a start against the Rangers.

After that, the Flyers are off on Saturday before starting a four-game set with the Devils. They host the Devils on Sunday and next Saturday, with two games in Newark in between. Hopefully, Hart can be healthy to start a few of those games.

Tanner Laczynski getting second opinion

Nolan Patrick and Carter Hart haven’t been the only young Flyers players dealing with injuries recently. Rookie forward Tanner Laczynski last played on Thursday, like Hart.

“Tanner has got a hip issue,” Vigneault said after practice on Wednesday. “He’s getting a second opinion today, so we should know more in the next couple of days here.”

The Flyers want to get a good look at their young players the rest of the way and Laczynski was their first call-up to fill that role. He played well before getting hurt.

Another young player to watch is Wade Allison. He’s been providing a much-needed spark for the Flyers.

The Flyers and Rangers kick off their two-game set tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.

Photo: Heather Barry Images