Flyers-Blackhawks Preview: Hayes Returns to Lineup

On multiple occasions in the past month, the Flyers have been close to winning a few games. More times than not, they just simply find a way to come out on the other end of the decision. Entering Saturday's game, it's now 21 losses in the last 24 games.

This includes losses in eight of the last nine games, the last six games all coming on home ice. The homestand nears its end, as the Flyers take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday afternoon.

Game time is 3 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers	GP	G	A	P	Chicago Blackhawks	GP	G	A	P
Claude Giroux	51	17	23	40	Patrick Kane	51	17	38	55
Cam Atkinson	54	18	21	39	Alex DeBrincat	55	30	16	46
Travis Konecny	52	9	23	32	Seth Jones	51	3	32	35
Scott Laughton	51	11	15	26	Brandon Hagel	49	17	13	30
James van Riemsdyk	54	12	9	21	Dylan Strome	42	9	13	22

Kevin Hayes makes his return to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 17. Hayes has played through injury for much of the season, undergoing multiple procedures. His most recent return lasted from Dec. 1 through Jan. 17, a stretch of 18 games where he scored two goals and had seven points. It's fair to wonder if Hayes is truly healthy enough to play and if it's even a good idea for his to return in a season that has essentially been lost since his initial return in December.

Patrick Kane comes into the game on a hot streak. Kane had a goal and an assist in his last game on Thursday night against Edmonton. Three games ago against New Jersey, he posted a hat trick and four-point game.

Martin Jones makes the start for the Flyers. Jones gets his first start since Feb. 22, when he allowed two goals on 24 shots in a loss to the St. Louis Blues. Jones has lost eight straight starts going back to Dec. 29. He had allowed three or more goals in seven straight starts prior to his most recent against the Blues.

Kevin Lankinen makes his return in goal for the Blackhawks. This is his first start since last Friday when he got the win against the New Jersey Devils despite allowing five goals on 36 shots. That was Lankinen's first win since Nov. 26, having lost his previous four starts since. Lankinen has appeared in just 14 games this season, including just three since Dec. 18.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Scratches: Sean Couturier (injury), Ryan Ellis (injury), Nate Thompson (injury), Wade Allison (injury), Kevin Connauton (healthy), Gerry Mayhew (healthy)

Blackhawks Scratches: Jujhar Khaira (injury), Reese Johnson (injury), Henrik Borgstrom (healthy), Erik Gustafsson (healthy)

Lineup Notes

Flyers: Justin Braun left Thursday's game early with the flu. The hope is that he'll play, but he could be a game-time decision.
Blackhawks: No changes are expected to the Chicago lineup.

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (30th), Blackhawks (16th)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (24th), Blackhawks (28th)
Recent History vs. Blackhawks
- Oct. 24, 2019 - Flyers 4, Blackhawks 1 (at CHI)
- Oct. 4, 2019 - Flyers 4, Blackhawks 3 (at NHL Global Series in Prague)
Flyers Leaders vs. Blackhawks
- Claude Giroux - 18 GP, 6 G, 18 A, 24 P
- Cam Atkinson - 25 GP, 9 G, 12 A, 21 P
- Travis Konecny - 8 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 P
- Martin Jones - 14 GP, 7-5-1, 2.48 GAA, .914 SV%
Milestone Watch
- Derick Brassard needs two goals to reach 200 for his career.
- Claude Giroux needs two points to reach 900 for his career.

Where to Watch
TV: ABC
Radio: Flyers Broadcast Network

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN and Flyers editor for SportsTalkPhilly.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.