Saturday, February 23, 2013
Latest re: Hartnell return
By Victoria Matiash
UPDATE: Never mind Wednesday; Scott Hartnell is expected back in the lineup for Saturday's matinee with the Winnipeg Jets.
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UPDATE: While we can quash the "ahead-of-schedule" talk, it appears the return of Scott Hartnell is indeed on the horizon. Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests Hartnell could be back in the Philadelphia Flyers lineup for Wednesday's contest with the Washington Capitals. The healthy comeback couldn't come soon enough, especially now that forward Matt Read is out the next six weeks with a rib injury.
While rookie Tye McGinn is expected to continue filling in, the loss of Read may offer GM Paul Holmgren that extra push to forge a deal. There has been recent talk of a potential trade brewing between the Flyers and Boston Bruins.
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The Philadelphia Flyers may have Scott Hartnell (broken toe) back in the lineup shortly. Maybe even within the week.
The Philadelphia Daily News reports Hartnell is hoping to be cleared to skate by doctors on Friday.
"... The Flyers are in New Jersey on Friday and visit Montreal on Saturday. With permission from the doctor, Hartnell could return as soon as next Wednesday in Pittsburgh, which would be just a shade under 4 weeks since undergoing surgery ..."
The 30-year-old was expected to miss four to eight weeks altogether. Fitness may not be much of an issue since he's been working to stay in shape while wearing his walking boot.
