As the Flyers enter their game against the Devils knowing that they simply have to win to keep any chance of a playoff spot alive, they will have to do so without breakout star Michael Del Zotto.
Flyers GM Ron Hextall announced that the talented defenseman will miss 7-10 days with an upper-body injury, meaning that he may even be doubtful for the Canucks game on the 18th.
Filling in for Del Zotto will be the recently recalled Brandon Manning, who partner up with Andrew MacDonald.
Del Zotto was on the ice for 22:31 in the Flyers 3-2 overtime loss at Boston yesterday. He has easily been among the Flyers best players over the last 21 games, recording seven goals and 16 points in a stretch that saw the team muster up eleven wins.
In his first season with the Flyers, Del Zotto has scored more goals than his previous two seasons combined and has set a new career-high for game-winning goals. It’s easy to see from these stats alone just how much he’s going to be missed in the most crucial part of the season.
After a gut wrenching loss, the plot thickens as the Flyers lose their key man. But can they take the fight to the Devils and show that they can still press on without him?
