It had already been a tough season thus far for Nolan Patrick. Things just got tougher as the Philadelphia Flyers announced that Patrick will be out for about four to five days with an upper-body injury. He is unlikely to return on the team’s current road trip.
Scott Gordon says Nolan Patrick will miss four or five days, so basically the rest of this road trip. Also, Carter Hart in goal tomorrow vs. #Panthers.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) December 28, 2018
Nolan Patrick Sidelined For Road Trip
It is unclear exactly what happened to Patrick, but he was injured during the second period of the Flyers 6-5 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He did not return after Steven Stamkos scored with 7:37 remaining in the second period.
Patrick dropped the gloves with Anthony Cirelli at the end of the first period. He was involved in a check on Andrej Palat in front of the net before Stamkos’ goal. He favored his left arm afterward.
Here is where #Flyers Nolan Patrick was injured. Upper-body injury. Left arm. Watch – Patrick checks Palat in-front and comes up favoring his left arm. #FlyersTalk #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/k1zQobfa0r
— Brandon Sommermann (@PFL_BSommermann) December 28, 2018
With the four-to-five day timeline, Patrick is expected to miss the next three games against the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators. These all take place within a five-day span.
Things have not come easy for the second-year forward. In 33 games, Patrick has five goals and six assists. He is pointless in his last four games. He has not scored a goal in his last 19 games, aside from the shootout winner against the New York Rangers.
With Patrick out, Jordan Weal looks to assume third line center responsibilities in his absence. Oskar Lindblom was also seen on the third line during the team’s practice. Scott Laughton was moved down to the team’s fourth line. However, head coach Scott Gordon has been known to change his line combinations so things could change before Saturday.
For now, the Flyers will look to build on their 3-1-1 record under their new head coach. They will have to do so without Nolan Patrick for the next few games.
Main Photo by Kate Frese (@KateFresePhoto), licensed to Last Word on Hockey. The Photographer retains all rights to the photograph.
