Ryan O'Reilly will miss Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a lower-body injury, and word out of Buffalo is the Sabres center could be out for an extended period of time.
Ryan O'Reilly was limping after game in Columbus and met with trainers there. Could be a foot and several weeks, source says. We'll see soon
The legend of the "Ghost Bear" continues to grow in Philadelphia.
With an overtime goal Saturday in Toronto, Flyers rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere extended his point streak to 15 games, not only strengthening his case for Calder Trophy consideration, but also giving the City of Brotherly Love a measure of hope for the future despite being outside the NHL playoff picture.
Here's what Gostisbehere's emergence means for the Rookie of the Year race and the Flyers' future:
Crunching the numbers
Gostisbehere has firmly established himself as the top first-year defenseman, having recorded eight more points than second-ranked Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues in 18 fewer games played.
But where does he rank among all rookies?
With 12 goals and 22 assists, Gostisbehere sits fifth in rookie scoring, behind Artemi Panarin, Max Domi, Jack Eichel, and Dylan Larkin. In terms of points per game, however, his ranking rises to third, and only by lowering the minimum amount of games played to 20 to allow for Connor McDavid's inclusion.
Player
Games Played
Goals
Assists
Points
P/GP
Connor McDavid (EDM)
23
10
17
27
1.17
Artemi Panarin (CHI)
59
22
35
57
0.97
Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI)
40
12
22
34
0.85
On top of that, Gostisbehere's 18 power-play points ranks first, while his four game-winning goals - all coming in overtime - slots him third.
What's even more impressive is where he ranks among all defensemen. While his 34 total points put him within the top 20, his points-per-game rate bumps him up to fourth, with only Erik Karlsson (1.08), Kris Letang (0.89), and Brent Burns (0.86) averaging more points.
That's the cream of the crop league-wide, with his name among those who'll be in the Norris Trophy conversation. Gostisbehere doesn't see as much ice time as this group, nor is he charged with as much defensive responsibility in terms of shutting down the opposition. From a production standpoint, though, there's no denying he's in good company.
Gostisbehere's numbers may not be enough to eclipse Panarin or McDavid in Rookie of the Year consideration, but he should be a finalist for the award.
The caveat here is that if Gostisbehere can help propel the Flyers - who sit three points out of a wild-card spot - into the postseason, it would greatly boost his chances of earning the nod as the NHL's top rookie.
Flyers' changing of the rear guard
What's even more encouraging for Flyers fans is Gostisbehere represents the initial onslaught of a new wave of highly touted defensemen in Philadelphia.
Heading into 2015-16, NHL.com pegged Gostisbehere as the third-ranked defensive prospect in the organization, behind Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim. This assessment was shared by Broad Street Hockey, who placed Gostisbehere sixth among the team's top 25 under 25, and third behind the aforementioned blue-liners.
Gostisbehere was drafted in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft out of Union College, marking the beginning of Philadelphia's stockpiling of potentially high-end defensemen.
2013 - Samuel Morin, selected 11th overall
2014 - Travis Sanheim, selected 17th overall
2015 - Ivan Provorov, selected 7th overall
Those players are currently honing their games in the junior and AHL ranks as the Flyers continue to carry some unfortunate contracts on the blue line, namely Andrew MacDonald ($5-million cap hit through 2020), Mark Streit ($5.25-million cap hit through 2017), and Nick Schultz ($2.25-million cap hit through 2017).
While MacDonald's contract is likely immovable, the others could be shopped by general manager Ron Hextall, as their deals aren't as cumbersome due to their upcoming expiry dates. Space on the roster could be coming.
Either way, if the projections hold true and Gostisbehere does indeed end up behind Provorov and Sanheim on the depth chart, with Morin close behind, the Flyers may soon boast one of the NHL's most exciting young crop of defensemen as well as significant building blocks for the long sought-after return to glory.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly is being evaluated for a lower body injury and will not play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Dan Bylsma provided the update before the game. Bylsma did not go int...
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. - Alex Schoenborn and Evan Weinger both had two goals and an assist as the Portland Winterhawks routed the Medicine Hat Tigers 8-1 on Saturday night in Western Hockey League action.
Alex Overhardt had a goal and three assi...
With another fine outing Saturday night, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie further proved that come this summer he is deserving of a hefty raise.
Barrie almost single-handedly gifted the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 defeat Saturday with two goals and an assist, helping the Avalanche collect their second straight win.
With his trio of points against the Oilers, Barrie moved into eighth among all defenseman with 30 points in 57 games and it isn't the only category that seems him slotted in the top 10.
Barrie ranks second among the league's best defensemen with five game-winning goals, is tied for eighth in power play points, and tied for ninth in assists. He has also - since becoming a regular with the Avalanche during the 2013-14 season - watched his production increase every year.
This summer Barrie will become a restricted free agent where he can expect to cash in. He is currently making $2.6 million this season in a year where he is poised to surpass his previous career highs in both goals and points.
Barrie is on his way to becoming one of the league's great d-men and by as early as this summer he should be paid like one.
DALLAS - Brad Marchand's goal in the second period ended Boston's drought on the power play, and got the Bruins going on a big scoring night.
Marchand scored twice and added an assist to help Bruins rally for a 7-3 victory over the Dallas Sta...
EDMONTON - Tyson Barrie had two goals and an assist as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Saturday.
John Mitchell also scored for the Avalanche (31-26-4), who have won four of their last five games to remain in a playo...
SUNRISE, Fla. - Jaromir Jagr scored twice to move into third place on the NHL career goals list and help the Florida Panthers beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-1 on Saturday night.
Reilly Smith had the go-ahead power-play goal early in the third perio...
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Vladimir Tarasenko, David Backes and Alexander Steen each had a goal and an assist and the St. Louis Blues used a four-goal first period to beat the Arizona Coyotes 6-4 on Saturday night.
The Blues have won five straight. Ja...
Vladimir Tarasenko's 28th goal of the season kickstarted a four-goal first period as the Blues held on for their fifth consecutive win Saturday, beating the Arizona Coyotes 6-4. With the victory, St. Louis continues to close in on the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars atop the Central Division.
Team
W
L
OT
Pts
Chicago
38
18
5
81
Dallas
37
17
6
80
St. Louis
35
17
9
79
Alex Steen scored his 17th of the season just three minutes after assisting Tarasenko's goal. Though, Steen's game ended shortly thereafter when he suffered an apparent arm injury after Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton sent him flying into the boards.
Goaltender Brian Elliott struggled, making just 18 saves on 22 shots. But his effort was still enough for the victory in his 17th consecutive start - a period in which the Blues have won 11 games.
They will look to extend the winning streak to a season-high six games in a game against the San Jose Sharks on Monday.
