PHILADELPHIA – All things considered, the injury news on Flyers center Derick Brassard isn’t all that bad.
Prior to Friday’s game against Carolina, Flyers coach Alain Vigneault disclosed Brassard, who suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday night’s game against Tampa, is expected to be sidelined approximately a week to 10 days.
Brassard, 33, has been one of the more productive Flyers in the first 18 games of the season, recording 11 points and playing well at both even-strength and special teams.
>Bunnaman called up
Connor Bunnaman was called up from the Phantoms on Friday and Max Willman was loaned back to the AHL team.
Bunnaman, 23, made the Flyers’ opening night roster for the 2019-20 season but has been shuttling back and forth to Allentown in the ensuing two seasons.
In 16 games with the Phantoms, Bunnaman has recorded just one goal and one assist.
“He gives us fresh legs,’’ Vigneault said in his pre-game press briefing. “Like Morgan (Frost, also recently was recalled to replace Brassard), he’s trending the right way.’’
Bunnaman was scheduled to play left wing on a line with center Nate Thompson and right wing Zack MacEwen. Oskar Lindblom returned to the third line with Scott Laughton and James van Riemsdyk.
In other lineup moves, Vigneault shuffled his defense pairings. Justin Braun returned to the top pairing with Ivan Provorov. Rasmus Ristolainen skated with Travis Sanheim and Keith Yandle was paired with Nick Seeler.
>Balanced scoring
Vigneault said he needs more than just one line getting hot in a game, he wants balanced scoring.
“We need all lines to contribute,’’ Vigneault said. “For the past few games it’s been hard for us to find the back of the net. We need to finish our opportunities.’’
