NHL Daily: Flyers’ Gallant Loss; Makar in Concussion Protocol

The Philadelphia Flyers’ Travis Konecny, one of the NHL’s most productive right wingers this season, is sidelined with an unspecified upper-body injury.

He has good company.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche are without the league’s best defenseman, Cale Makar. He is in concussion protocol and will miss at least two games, the Avs said on Tuesday.

Konecny was injured in Monday’s second period and missed the rest of the game in Calgary. He did not play Tuesday in Edmonton, and he will be re-evaluated when the Flyers return to Philadelphia on Wednesday.

Without Konecny, the Flyers didn’t figure to stay competitive with the high-scoring Edmonton Oilers.

But not only did they stay close, but they controlled the first two periods — allowing just a total of 10 shots in that span — and had the lead going into the final 20 minutes. In the third period, the Flyers gave the Oilers’ lethal power play an opportunity, and they capitalized.

That turned around the game.

Still, it was a gallant effort from a team playing on back-to-back nights and without its best forward.

“I’m proud of the team,” said coach John Tortorella, who doesn’t hand out accolades too freely.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers played well, but fell to Connor McDavid and the Oilers, 4-2, in Edmonton. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: My column on the most surprising Flyer this season. (Hint: He is not a skater.) Philadelphia Flyers.

Colorado Hockey Now: The Avs will be missing star defenseman Cale Makar for a while. He’s had two concussions in the last 11 days, per Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now. Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins have made veteran defenseman Jeff Petry available in a trade. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose Hockey Now: The St. Louis Blues reportedly want to acquire Sharks star Timo Meier. Are they willing to trade two first-rounders? San Jose Sharks.

Florida Hockey Now: The Cats have climbed into a playoff spot, but can they stay there? Florida Panthers.

New Yok Islanders Hockey Now: With Mathew Barzal out, Matt Martin is playing a bigger role for the Isles. New York Islanders.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins have been nearly flawless at home this season, except for … an anthem gaffe?!  Boston Bruins.