NHL Daily: Flyers’ Soap Opera; Leafs’ Star Returning; Penguins Collapse

Carter Hart is OK. Wait! Now he’s going on the IR list. Concussion talk intensifies! Hold on. Now he’s able to practice! Mute the concussion talk. Oh, and he will play the last two games on the West Coast trip. Maybe.

Got all that?

The dizzying Hart situation took more turns than imaginable in the last few days, but the bottom line is this: Provided he passes concussion protocol, the Philadelphia Flyers’ gifted goalie will play Saturday in Los Angeles, and Monday in Anaheim, according to coach John Tortorella.

Morgan Rielly, the cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defense, is also close to playing. After missing 15 games with a knee injury, he should be back in the Leafs’ lineup Thursday.

For these stories, and many others, see the NHL links below:

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Carter Hart was placed on the IR list, but is expected to play the final two games of the Flyers’ West Coast trip. Sam Ersson will start Thursday in San Jose. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: With the holiday break over, the Flyers look to star fresh in California. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier had two assists, but Team USA was stunned by Slovakia, 6-3, in the World Juniors on Wednesday. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Owen McLaughlin, another Flyers prospect, is off to a strong start at the University of North Dakota. Russ Cohen has the update. Philadelphia Flyers.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto (22-7-6) is about to get even stronger. Star defenseman Morgan Rielly is expected to return to the lineup Thursday against Arizona. Toronto Sun.

Boston Bruins: In a meeting of NHL heavyweights — when is the last time New Jersey was regarded so highly? — the visiting Boston Bruins outlasted the Devils, 3-1. Boston Bruins.

Montreal Hockey Now: Montreal prospect Filip Mesar helped Slovakia stun Team USA, 6-3, in the World Juniors. Montreal Canadiens.

New York Islanders Now: A long-time AHL player, Hudson Fasching, 27, is making a name for himself with the Islanders. New York Islanders.

Pittsburgh Penguins: After their worst performance of the season Tuesday, the Penguins blew a 4-0 lead Wednesday and lost to visiting Detroit, 5-4, in overtime. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings’ view from their remarkable comeback in Pittsburgh. Detroit Red Wings.