Sean Couturier Injury Update: Couturier Game-Time Decision For Game 4, Meszaros Out

Matthew Brigidi on Sun, 2012-05-06 12:32

Philadelphia Flyers

If Sunday morning’s practice is any indication, it appears as though Philadelphia Flyers shutdown centerman Sean Couturier could be available to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday night.

Several reports have stated that Couturier looked great at the team’s morning skate at Prudential Center and appeared to have little to no problem with his (assumed) injured right leg.

If you didn't know Couturier got hurt in Game 3 you'd have no idea he was injured. Doesn't look restricted at all

— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) May 6, 2012

Couturier left Game 3 on Thursday night with what Canadian media outlet RDS described as a lacerated right leg. As was expected, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren would not specifically identify the injury, instead calling it a ‘lower-body injury,’ and listed the rookie as ‘day-to-day.’

The play occurred around the five-minute mark of the first period when Couturier got tangled up with David Clarkson in the Philadelphia defensive zone. Despite being visibly in pain, Couturier finished out his shift making sure the Flyers cleared the zone prior to leaving the ice surface.

He would not return to the game, playing a total of 3:59 in five shifts taken.

Some have questioned if RDS was correct in reporting that the injury was a laceration, going as far to speculate that it may be an issue with Couturier’s knee. However, after Sunday’s morning skate some reporters commented that it appeared that the initial report seemed accurate.

Looking at Couturier there is no way he could have healed from knee sprain in two days. Had to be a cut as RDS said

— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) May 6, 2012

When asked for comment after practice, Couturier would neither confirm nor deny whether he would be playing but he did say that he was ready to go. According to the Flyers GM, Couturier will be a game-time decision.

Sean Couturier wouldn't say he's definitely playing tonight. "We'll see tonight, but I'm ready to go."

— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) May 6, 2012

In addition to Couturier, Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros skated in practice. Meszaros has been out since March 2 while recovering from back surgery. He has recently started skating and many expect him to return at some point in the Semifinals.

However, that will not happen in Game 4 as Holmgren announced that Meszaros would be scratched on Sunday.

Holmgren says Couturier is game time decision; Meszaros is out

— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) May 6, 2012

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