Carter Hart’s early departure from Friday morning’s skateboard was not harmless.
Hart, who was originally scheduled to support Brian Elliott in Friday night’s game against the Bruins, was unprepared because of back spasms. The 22-year-old goalkeeper is considered everyday.
An hour before the game, Alex Lyon was called back from the taxi squad in an emergency to help Elliott.
Hart left Friday morning’s skateboard early during the team’s power play work towards the end of practice. Lyon had to skate to the far end to replace Hart, who did not appear to be suffering much as he walked into the locker room.
“Carter had a little spasm on the ice this morning, so we were a little cautious there,” said Vigneault after the Flyers’ 2-1 defeat on Friday. “He should be fine and should be in training tomorrow.”
Elliott was already scheduled to start Friday night in the 12th Flyers game of the season.
The Friday night Flyers had no player on the NHL’s COVID protocol list.
Hart retired from practice last season in January and was later diagnosed with a right abdominal distention.
The Flyers on Friday night also lacked defender Philippe Myers, who has an upper body injury. The 24-year-old took part in the morning skate and was expected to play, skating alongside Travis Sanheim.
Myers lost four games in January to a broken rib. In his three lap games, he was very good, putting two assists and a plus-4 mark in over 22 minutes per game.
“Phil has an upper body injury; I will know a little more tomorrow,” said Vigneault after the game. “That’s all I have for now.”
Robert Hagg joined the cast for Myers.
Flyers visit the capitals for a set of two games on Sunday (noon ET / NBC) and Tuesday (6 pm ET / NBCSP).
The Flyers have been without Sean Couturier (costochondral separation) since mid-January. The Frank J. Selke Trophy 2019-20 continued its rehabilitation work on Friday morning and is almost back.
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