After dropping a 5-1 decision to the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night, the Flyers soon found out they had lost more than just the game, they also lost some important personnel. Defenseman Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell will both miss the first leg of the western road trip with fairly serious lowerbody injuries.
Timonen suffered a chip fracture in his ankle and will miss at least one week, while Hartnell broke his big toe and will be day-to-day.
The Flyers are also missing Danny Briere, who is set to make his return to the team sometime in early January and could take the place of Hartnell. Until then, the Flyers will likely bring up rookie Andreas Nodl.
Replacing Timonen will be Andrew Alberts, who has taken over the role of seventh defensemen.
The Flyers next play on Saturday, Dec. 27, as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on the road.