Though the Flyers broke a four-game losing streak on Monday night versus the Flames, it was not all good news for the visitors in Calgary. Winger Travis Konecny left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury sustained from a heavy hit from Flames’ defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
After Weegar checked Konecny from behind near the boards, the Flyers’ forward went directly to the locker room in some clear discomfort. Konecny would not return as the Flyers eked out a 4-3 victory.
Prior to the hit, Konecny had already collected a goal and an assist earlier to bring his points total on the season to 54 in 52 games, more than he collected during 79 contests last season. The goal, which Konecny deposited in the top left corner of the net after a slick display of skill, was the player’s 27th on the year, a new career-high.
When asked about Konecny following the game, John Tortorella couldn’t offer much information. “Really big loss for us in a type of game like that,” said Tortorella, who did not have an update on the injury. “He’s found his game. He’s a very active player for us.”
The Flyers’ victory in Calgary was just their second since the all-star break. During that stretch, the team has notched more than two goals only twice, and generating offense will not get any easier for Philadelphia if Konecny, the club’s leader in points, misses any time.
Currently sitting in 24th place in league standings, the Flyers could see their roster makeup change drastically in the coming weeks with the trade deadline looming. James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Hayes, the team’s lone representative at the All-Star game, are just a pair of names that could be traded with the postseason far out of reach.
Konecny will make $5.5 million AAV through 2025. The forward has played the best hockey of his career under new Flyers’ coach John Tortorella and will be important to Philadelphia’s efforts to return to the postseason in the coming years.
The Flyers will conclude their western road trip tomorrow night in Edmonton. Monday’s win improved their season record to 23-25-10.
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