VOORHEES, N.J. – The situation going into Saturday evening's Flyers preseason finale in Boston on defense is a bit perplexing.
Michael Del Zotto did not practice Friday at Skate Zone. He played 16:51 against the Rangers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden and didn’t appear injured after the game.
That would indicate a maintenance day, yet general manager Ron Hextall was mum.
Coach Dave Hakstol said it was “maintenance” after the practice, but then added it might be best to have it come from Hextall.
Now Brandon Manning, who is listed “week to week” with a shoulder injury, practiced again and said he’s getting better.
“I feel pretty good,” Manning said. “Right now, it’s patience and giving it some time to heal.”
Manning was injured a week ago in practice.
NHL
“I don’t recall [how], it just happened,” he said. “No contact yet. Try to do as much as I can and handle the puck. I can’t do much upper body stuff.”
Manning said he expects to make the opening trip to Los Angeles.
Mason welcomes baby girl
Steve Mason’s fiancé, Brittany, gave birth to a seven-pound, 10-ounce girl Emma Raye on Thursday.
“It was an exciting day and long day for my fiancé,” he said. “She was great. A real special day.”
Mason will fly to Boston on his own to join the team Friday night. Hakstol wasn’t sure whether Mason or Michal Neuvirth will start against the Bruins, but said Mason was “ready” to go.
“I want to play, but we’ll see what Hak has in mind,” Mason said. “It was good to come out today and get a sweat going.”
NHL Youth Cup
Players representing 44 clubs from across the United States will compete in the fourth annual National Hockey League Youth Cup Tournament at the Virtua Health Flyers Skate Zone at Pennsauken and the Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, New York from Saturday through Monday.
Admission to the tournament at Flyers Skate Zone is free and open to the public. Times vary. Information is available at NHLYouthCup.com.