The Philadelphia Flyers won’t have forward Steve Downie available for their rematch against the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight, reports CSN Philly.
Downie will be unavailable for the next seven to 10 days because of an upper-body injury. He previously missed four contests in November with a concussion.
He’s known for his ability to get under opponents’ skin, but he can hold his own with the puck. Despite missing almost all of the 2013 campaign due to a knee injury, he’s bounced back with three goals and 19 points in 31 games this season.
Naturally, the Flyers upcoming schedule is rather light because of Christmas. After tonight, Philadelphia will host Minnesota on Monday (NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. ET) and then begin a road trip in Edmonton on Dec. 28.
Philadelphia earned five points in its last three contests to gain a razor thin lead in the battle for third place in the Metropolitan.
Update: On a more positive note, Philadelphia Flyers forward Vinny Lecavalier will return tonight, according to the Philadelphia Daily News’ Frank Seravalli.