January 19, 2015
The Flyers were already hurting on defense coming into Monday's game, and things didn't get any better for them in their loss to the Isles.
Carlo Colaiacovo went down in front of the Flyers net during the third period with a lower-body injury and according to coach Craig Berube, the defenseman is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Penguins.
Further complicating the situation is the news that Nick Schultz was also injured in the loss and will be out of the lineup vs. the Penguins.
The Flyers have recalled defensemen Brandon Manning and Oliver Lauridsen from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, according to general manager Ron Hextall. The team also said that they will be available for tomorrow night’s home game against the Penguins.
Both Manning, 24, and Lauridsen, 25, have experience with the Flyers.
Manning, who will wear No. 43, appeared in two games earlier this season, and 12 overall. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound defenseman seventh among AHL defensemen in scoring and was selected to represent the Phantoms in the league's upcoming all-star game.
For Lauridsen (6-6, 220), this is his first action with the Flyers since the 2012-13 season, when he appeared in 15 games, recording a pair of goals and an assist. He will wear No. 38 Tuesday night against the Penguins.
With Nicklas Grossman (upper-body injury) and Braydon Coburn (lower-body injury) already out for the next few weeks, the Flyers are left with just four healthy defensemen on the active roster, meaning some moves are coming soon.
According to Frank Seravalli of the Daily News, the Phantoms' Brandon Manning is the obvious choice to get called up by the Flyers:
Berube says Carlo Colaiacovo is "doubtful" for tomorrow. #Flyers only have 6 D. Phantoms' Brandon Mannjng is obvious choice.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 19, 2015
Manning very likely to be called up. I wonder if with Schultz injury, #Flyers could see 19-year-old Robert Hagg make his debut.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 19, 2015
No matter who the Flyers decide to call up, one thing is certain: the Penguins could have a field day Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center. In addition to their decimated blue line, starting goalie Steve Mason is still out with an injury, and Ray Emery and Rob Zepp split time on Monday, meaning neither will be fully rested.
We'll find out when the puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night in South Philly.
