WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- No surprises at Saturday’s morning skate for the Flyers.
Just as in Friday’s practice, the rotation between Vinny Lecavalier and Sam Gagner will continue. Gagner will replace Lecavalier after sitting out the Calgary game.
“Sam is going to go in and step in on the second power-play unit,” Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said. “He brings an element there. Beyond that, he has to go and play like the rest of our team.
“Play hard. This is a building you have to check very well in and move your feet and have great sticks. And you have to take care of pucks.”
Note that last line. Take care of pucks.
Reading between the lines, Hakstol obviously didn’t like the risky play Lecavalier made on the second power-play unit that led to Calgary’s first goal earlier this week with a man coming out of the box.
A bad, no-look pass cost the Flyers a goal against.
NHL
As for Gagner, he began the season as a healthy scratch for two games, played 10 in a row, then sat out the 2-1 overtime loss in Calgary.
Gagner hasn’t played that badly. He has two goals and five points in 10 games, compared to Lecavalier’s lone assist in five.
“No, not necessarily I don’t see it that way,” Hakstol said as to why these two appear to be the designated interchangeables.
Gagner will play right wing on Brayden Schenn’s line with R.J. Umberger.
“It’s really not something I am used to,” Gagner said of being rotated. “You gotta handle it like a pro.”
Gagner said he likes to get himself into a rhythm. He’s played all three forward spots so far.
“Doesn’t matter to me where I play so long as I’m in the lineup,” Gagner said.
Neuvirth starts
Steve Mason, who appears to have some kind of virus and missed his start in Calgary, broadly hinted he would not be playing when he suggested he could use more practice time Friday.
Between off days on this trip and his illness, Mason has not had much work on the ice.
Which is why Michael Neuvirth, who has been outstanding in net this week despite not winning, will face the Jets.
“The biggest thing for me is, we had a day off,” Hakstol said. “Just the amount of work coming off a day where he wasn’t feeling great. He hasn’t had a whole lot of work. Neuvy is going well, he’s played well, he is in a rhythm, that’s why Neuvy is going tonight.”
Jet pack
The Flyers won both games against the Jets last season and are 31-16-8 against them all-time.
Their 4-3 overtime win here last Dec. 21 saw Rob Zepp become the oldest netminder (age 33) in club history to make his debut. Jakub Voracek scored the game-winner.
Wheels up
Jets forward Blake Wheeler has 18 points in 25 career games against the Flyers — 17 of which are assists.