According to Sarah Baicker of CSNphilly.com, after spending two promising but uninspired seasons in the AHL with the Phantoms, Flyers’ defensive prospect Oskars Bartulis, will get to see his first NHL action tonight as the Flyers take on the San Jose Sharks at the Wachovia Center.
Bartulis, 22, is a stay-at-home defenseman with puck-handling skills. A converted forward from his younger days, the 6-2, 195 lbs. Latvian had yet to prove his frame was strong enough to battle at the NHL level. But apparently general manager Paul Holmgren believes the former third round draft pick is ready.
Bartulis will likely take the place of sixth defenseman Danny Syvret and will wear number 38.
UPDATE: Bartulis was a late roster scratch. He was brought in just in case an unnamed defender couldn’t go due an injury or illness.
Phila.Bright 