When the Flyers called up Shayne Gostisbehere for their Nov. 14 game in Carolina, no one could have imagined the immediate and ongoing impact he would have on the team.
Gostisbehere has seven goals, three of them overtime winners, and nine assists for 16 points in 23 games. Game 23 for Gostisbehere provided a scare.
The rookie sensation left the Flyers 4-3 overtime win in Minnesota at the five-minute mark of the second period with a lower body injury and did not return, but that was the only update the Flyers provided on the defenseman.
On Friday, the Flyers finally updated Gostisbehere's condition. GM Ron Hextall announced that Gostisbehere will miss Saturday's game against the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury. Another update will be provided on Saturday.
The Flyers do not play again after that until Wednesday night against the Boston Bruins. Gostisbehere could be ready to return by then. It appeared the injury was minor, but Hextall's lack of a further update until Saturday implies that there could be something more. Several of the Flyers beats were reporting that it was a minor bruise or sprain to Gostisbehere's right knee.
The Flyers have experienced quite a turnaround since Gostisbehere was brought up to the NHL. When the Flyers made the move, the team was 5-8-3 and had 13 points in the standings. In the 23 games since, the Flyers are 12-7-4 with 28 points in the standings.
Gostisbehere also leads all rookie defenseman with 16 points in 23 games. Blues defenseman Colton Parayko is tied with 16 points, but has played 41 games.
The Flyers return to the ice on Saturday afternoon when they host the New York Islanders in the first of three straight home games. Puck drop is set for 1 p.m.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
