Saturday afternoon, ahead of the Flyers game against the Los Angeles Kings, the Flyers made a roster move on the blue line. With news that Justin Braun would be re-joining the club, Philadelphia loaned Mark Friedman back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms get back one of their longest tenured players in Friedman. Mark played five games for the Flyers, recording one assist. He also averaged about 12:33 on ice per night. While playing time was a bit sparse, Friedman made the most of his time in the NHL. It won’t show on the score sheet, but Friedman made an impact with his high energy.
Friedman returns to a Phantoms team that is starting to rattle off wins after a slow start to the season. The Phantoms have won five of their last six games, after losing six straight. With Friedman returning, and helping solidify a veteran-laden blue line, the Phantoms could be making a push at just the right time.
Justin Braun, on the other hand, is coming back to action after missing the last six games. Braun had a slow start to the year, but has been a welcome defensive presence on the blue line since coming to Philadelphia. His stats won’t show it, but he’s been playing the shutdown defender role well, blocking 59 shots & laying 60 hits.
Braun comes back at an opportune time. The Flyers have two more games before the All-Star break, then have a week off between games against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Braun can knock some of the rust off before the team gets to the home stretch.
Braun suits up tonight, along with the rest of the Flyers, against the Los Angeles Kings. Puck drop is 7PM at the Wells Fargo Center. Tune in and follow @EricReesePSN as he updates us live from the press box.
Mandatory Credit – © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
