Flyers forward Sean Couturier will miss the rest of the first round series against the Washington Capitals. Couturier is expected to miss at least two weeks with an AC sprain in his shoulder following a hit from Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin during the second period of Thursday’s 2-0 loss.
In 63 games this season, the Flyers forward put up 11 goals and 39 points. With him in the line up this season, they were 35-18-10 and without him they went 6-9-4
Couturier has played most of the season alongside Braydon Schenn and Michael Raffl in a shutdown role which is expected to play a lot during the series against the Capitals top line of Ovechkin, Backstrom and Oshie.
“It’s a hole we have to fill, and other guys have to step up,” forward Brayden Schenn via philly.com.
With Couturier’s injury it gives 21-year-old forward Scott Laughton a chance to step up. Laughton has spent the last nine games in the press box. Laughton is expected to be playing his first ever playoff game Saturday night.
“I haven’t played much in the last two weeks and have been itching to get back, for sure,” said Laughton. “The last two or three weeks, I’ve been skating and working on my game. I think I can bring a little fire to the series.” added Laughton via Philly.com.
It’s still unclear if Flyers coach Dave Hakstoll will keep the other lines intact for game 2 or whether someone other than Laughton will fill Couturier’s spot on the Flyers shutdown line. Schenn was switched to centre when Couturier went down in Game 1 and could stay there meaning it’s possible to see Laughton at right wing on that line come Saturday.
The Flyers will be looking to bounce back from that 2-0 loss to the Capitals in game 1. Game two goes Saturday Night at 7:00 pm ET.
Main Photo: Philadelphia, PA: Sean Couturier #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 5, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Credit: Elsa/Getty Images)
