Flyers look to get healthy before Lake Tahoe matchup

The Flyers have not had a game since Super Bowl Sunday, but today they returned to the ice to practice for the first time since.

Multiple Flyers players have been placed on the COVID list over the course of the last week. These include such players such as captain Claude Giroux, who is now expecting another child, as well as Oskar Lindblom. Obviously, this is a situation the team is taking very seriously. It is relieving to hear that no one’s case seems severe.

AV said Giroux was one of the positive tests last Tuesday. Braun also went into protocol last Tuesday.

Earlier, AV said the Flyers COVID-positive players either have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic but testing positive.

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) February 16, 2021

None of the players on the COVID list returned to practice today, and it seems that none will be ready to return by this Thursday. There is a game scheduled against the Rangers before this Sunday but would likely see a lot of taxi squad players getting some time. You could say that New York would basically be facing a Philadelphia B-team.

All 16 on the ice today at prax (T= taxi squad): Provorov, Sanheim, Ghost, Hägg, Friedman, Hayes, Patrick, Farabee, Raffl, Bunnaman, Hart Elliott, Andreoff (T), Pouliot (T), Kase (T), Sushko (T).

No current Covid protocol players returned to practice today. No Coots, Myers, JVR

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) February 16, 2021

General Manager Chuck Fletcher seems hopeful enough, he speaks about the progress seen over the last few days:

Fletcher on the team entering COVID protocol: “Clearly we have some players that tested positive and some others in quarantine. Certainly the last four days we’ve seen a positive trend and we’re hopeful to continue in that direction and play on Thursday night.”

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 16, 2021

As more players kept getting added to the COVID list, many fans local and national (including myself) were beginning to worry that the Lake Tahoe game is in real jeopardy. That matchup against the Boston Bruins is currently slated for this Sunday, which is less than a week away. It is an event that the NHL wants to go smoothly. Fletcher says that currently, the game is not in jeopardy according to what he has heard.

Fletcher on if the Flyers participation in the Lake Tahoe game is in jeopardy: “Not to my knowledge. I’ve been in daily contact with Bill Daly and the sole focus right now is the health and safety of our players.”

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 16, 2021

A big step in making sure that Philly plays this Sunday is that the team continues to be cautious, while at the same time having key pieces test negative so they can return in time. After cancelling practice yesterday, it is reassuring to see them back out there today.

Let us hope for more good news, I know I love a good outdoor Flyers game.