The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders both lost important centres to injury in Game 5 Tuesday.
The Flyers’ Sean Couturier, a finalist for the Selke Trophy, appeared to injure his knee on a collision with the Islanders’ Mathew Barzal late in the second period. Couturier left the game after the hit and didn’t return for the third or overtime.
In his post-game press conference, head coach Alain Vigneault didn’t have an update on Couturier’s status for Game 6.
In the third period, Barzal was struck in the head by Claude Giroux’s stick as the Flyers captain was following through on a shot. Barzal immediately fell to the ice in distress before skating to the locker room. Like Couturier, he didn’t return for the remainder of the game or overtime.
Head coach Barry Trotz said he would have a better indication of what Barzal’s status for Game 6 will be on Wednesday.
The Islanders lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.
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