Music: {allcanada} Byfuglien returning for Jets vs. Flyers

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

{allcanada} Byfuglien returning for Jets vs. Flyers

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- The Winnipeg Jets and Philadelphia Flyers have one thing in common heading into their game Tuesday at MTS Centre -- both are coming off recent losses to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Jets lost 3-2 at home to Toronto on Feb. 7, but they were able to rebound with a 1-0 road win two nights later against the Ottawa Senators. They've been off since then, while the Flyers lost 5-2 in Toronto on Monday.

The Jets will welcome defenseman Dustin Byfuglien back to the lineup against Philadelphia after a five-game absence with an undisclosed injury. Byfuglien will reunite with defense partner Tobias Enstrom, whose two goals and 11 assists tie him for the NHL lead in scoring among defensemen. Winnipeg also anticipates the imminent return of Zach Bogosian to its blue line. Bogosian has not played this season after offseason wrist surgery.

Jets coach Claude Noel would not confirm his defensive mix, but it is expected that Grant Clitsome will be a healthy scratch to make room for Byfuglien.

However, Winnipeg will go without No. 1 goaltender Ondrej Pavelec, who continues to battle illness. Al Montoya delivered a 33-save shutout Ottawa and will make his third start of the season.

The Flyers opted not to skate Tuesday morning, but did, reportedly, make a roster move. The Philadelphia Daily News reported that the club has sent center Sean Couturier (flu) back to Philadelphia and recalled forward Harry Zolnierczyk from the Adirondack Phantoms of the American Hockey League.

Brian Boucher, who relieved goalie Ilya Bryzgalov against Toronto on Monday, is a possibility to start against the Jets.

Here is how the lineups could look for the Jets and Flyers on Tuesday:

JETS

Evander Kane - Olli Jokinen - Nikolai Antropov

Andrew Ladd - Bryan Little - Blake Wheeler

Alexei Ponikarovsky - Alexander Burmistrov - Kyle Wellwood

James Wright - Jim Slater - Chris Thorburn

Tobias Enstrom - Dustin Byfuglien

Zach Redmond - Ron Hainsey

Mark Stuart - Paul Postma

Al Montoya

Ondrej Pavelec