Skate Update: Andrew MacDonald back in lineup

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SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Andrew MacDonald is back in the Flyers lineup Tuesday night against the Sharks after having been a healthy scratch against the Rangers last Saturday.

The last time he was a healthy scratch was 2009-10 with the Islanders when he played just 46 games.

“It’s a difficult thing to go through and swallow, but when you are in that type of position, you lean on those close to you and who have supported you for your whole life,” MacDonald said.

“I talked to my fiancee for a while and my parents. Those are type of conversations you have with them and try to work through it.”

Flyers coach Craig Berube was pretty blunt with his several scratches of late, and in MacDonald’s case, it has more to do with making strong plays to get the puck moving up ice and use his speed to be in correct position in his own end.

“I talked to him the other day when he didn’t play, and told him the reason and talked things out,” Berube said. “It’s all about communication, and I communicate with him.”

Tonight’s scratches are defenseman Michael Del Zotto, to allow MacDonald to return, and Vinny Lecavalier, so Pierre-Edouard Bellemare can return. Lecavalier has never been a healthy scratch in the NHL.

MacDonald spent Saturday’s game at Madison Square Garden watching from the press box and comparing notes with fellow defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo.

“I think when you see from up top, at times, you get a different perspective on the game,” MacDonald said. “It obviously looks a lot easier up there on the ice. But sometimes you can see some mistakes that are being made.

“Collectively, as a team, we seem to be off a bit. Not on the same page. It’s something we’ve addressed and talked about. It’s pretty evident from that last game we were running around a little too much. Just seemed like guys were thinking too much instead of playing with instincts.”

And that comes down to playing relaxed.

Team captain Claude Giroux said the few days out in Northern California might have done some players a lot of good in terms of relaxing under the stress of a 1-7-1 slide.

“I know personally, my game is not near where I want it to be,” MacDonald said. “It’s frustrating and upsetting to be out of the lineup like that and I think you have to realize there are expectations on everyone and you have to live up to them. Be held accountable. So I got a lot to prove.”

MacDonald missed 10 games with a right knee injury, but said that is not an excuse because even before then he didn’t think his game was quite right.

He also admitted that the weight of a six-year, $30 million contract extension has been something he’s thought about, too.

“Obviously, you think of those things because it’s a big commitment by them,” he said of his deal which kicked in this season. “On a personal level you want to live up to those expectations. For them to make that type of commitment.

“You realize the faith they have in you and what to expect. It’s disappointing when you don’t live up to those and frustrating. For myself personally, I have to bring my level up quite a bit.”

MacDonald said he knows what he can and can’t do tonight against the Sharks.

“Sometimes you get inside your own head and overthink things too much,” he said. “That I can make a better play than what is there. Especially, when a team is struggling and you’re trying to do too much.

“It’s not for a matter of not caring. Everyone wants to help the team and help us get out of this. We have to work together as a team collectively.

“There’s not a whole lot to be said. Do what you did to get here and there are ups and downs to everyone’s career and obviously, that’s a pretty low point. It’s time to turn things around and help this team be better.”

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