Flyers

Flyers Claim G McKenna; Is an Infamous Record Next?

By
Kevin Durso
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Kevin Durso Sports Editor

I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.

All posts by Kevin Durso
Sports Editor

Published04 Jan 2019

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11-27-2018_FlyersvsSenators_2ndedit_2_credKateFrese-10

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor Flyers Claim G McKenna; Is an Infamous Record Next?

Make way for another new goalie for the Flyers. At noon on Friday, when the waiver reports are typically released, it was revealed the Flyers had claimed goaltender Mike McKenna off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. The team confirmed shortly after.

McKenna, 35, played in 10 games with the Ottawa Senators earlier this season, posting a 1-4-1 record with a 3.96 GAA and .897 save percentage. The one win came against the Flyers on Nov. 27.

McKenna had just been traded to the Canucks on Wednesday before being placed on waivers by Vancouver on Thursday.

If McKenna sees the ice for the Flyers, it would mark an infamous record for the Orange and Black. Only three teams in NHL history have played seven goaltenders in a single season. No team in NHL history has started seven different goalies in a season. Saturday is Game 41 for the Flyers, marking the halfway point of the 2018-19 season.

McKenna is better known in the AHL, having reached the Calder Cup Final with Texas and Syracuse in each of the last two seasons. In his NHL career, McKenna has played in 34 games, including 26 starts, posting a 7-16-3 record, 3.58 GAA and .892 save percentage.

The claim of McKenna seems to spell something else happening within the organization. Michal Neuvirth was not on the ice for practice on Friday after getting the start on Thursday. There is no word yet to whether this is another injury for the netminder. 

The Flyers are still dealing with injuries to goalies Brian Elliott and Anthony Stolarz. Elliott could return to practice in 10-to-14 days, but would likely be out until at least February with the Flyers being off from game action from Jan. 19 to Jan. 28. Stolarz is in a similar position. He could return to practice as soon as next week, but would need time to get back into a rhythm. 

Carter Hart remains with the team for now. Alex Lyon was also available in the AHL, but the Flyers have clearly opted to leave him there for now.

The Flyers are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they host the Calgary Flames at 1 p.m.