NHL Daily: Flyers’ Good News; Capitals Soar Despite Star’s Injury

The Philadelphia Flyers have been decimated by injuries, so they were due for some good news, right?

Indeed.

Carter Hart, who went down after a helmet-to-helmet collision Friday with Carolina’s Seth Jarvis, was able to practice Tuesday, the first day the Flyers returned from their holiday break.

He was declared healthy by coach John Tortorella, and ready to play on the upcoming West Coast trip. For a team that is missing injured players Sean Couturier, Cam Atkinson, and Ryan Ellis, it was welcome news.

Speaking of health issues, Colorado star center Nathan MacKinnon, who was injured against the Flyers nearly a month ago, is expected to return to the lineup this week. He has 34 points (8-26) in 3 games, and, so, yes, he will be a valuable addition.

Washington’s injury news wasn’t as positive. Defenseman John Carlson will be sidelined “long term” after after taking a puck to the face Friday against Winnipeg.

To their credit, the Caps went out Tuesday and smothered the New York Rangers, 4-0, as a former Flyer played a key role.

For these stories, and much more, read out NHL links below:

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Carter Hart has recovered nicely from an undisclosed injury and is ready to play on the Flyers’ upcoming West Coast trip. As a precaution, the Flyers may bring three goalies on the trip. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Flyers prospect Brian Zanetti, a defenseman, helped Switzerland improve to 2-0 in the World Junior Championship. Philadelphia Flyers.

Washington hockey Now: Star defenseman John Carlson was put on the IR and is out indefinitely. The move was made before the Caps’ Darcy Kuemper blanked the Rangers, 4-0, for their 10th win in 11 games. Former Flyer defenseman Erik Gustafsson (goal, assist) continued to shine for the Caps. Washington Capitals.

Colorado Hockey Now: Nathan MacKinnion appears ready to return to the Avs’ lineup this week The announcement was made before lowly Arizona stunned the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche, 6-3.  Colorado Avalanche.

Boston Hockey Now: The mighty Bruins were brought down by goalie Cam Talbot — who once had a brief stint in Philly — and the Ottawa Senators. Boston Bruins.

New York Islanders Now: The Isles called it their best game of the year. The Penguins called it their worst. A look at The Islanders’ 5-1 victory Tuesday over Pittsburgh. New York Islanders.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins’ view on their one-sided loss on Long Island. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Florida Hockey Now: Former Flyer Radko Gudas could return to the Florida lineup Thursday against Montreal. The Panthers’ also had two of their best players, Sasha Barkov, and Aaron Ekblad, return to practice Tuesday, though they wore non-contact jerseys. Florida Panthers.

Montreal Hockey Now: Here are three takeaways on the Habs’ season to date. Montreal Canadiens.

Vegas Hockey Now: A double whammy for the Knights: They dropped a 4-2 decision in Los Angeles and lost defenseman Alec Martinez to an injury. Vegas Golden Knights.