Sean Couturier injures knee, returns to Philly for evaluation

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking at the possibility of losing a fifth player to a knee injury this season.

In the second period of Tuesday’s game against the Florida Panthers, Sean Couturier and Vincent Trochek got their legs tangled up.

Couturier took the worst of it.

He dropped directly to the ice. When he tried to put any weight on his left leg, he collapsed back down. With the help of the trainer and teammates, Couturier was able to skate off the ice but continued to keep his left leg bent and elevated.

The Flyers announced he would not return to the game; out with a lower-body injury.

From Sam Carchidi of Philly.com:

After the Flyers’ 3-1 win, GM Ron Hextall had a glum expression as he said Couturier would be examined in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Sources said he injured his left knee, and Wednesday’s examination could determine if surgery is needed.

Per Tim Panaccio of CSN, it’s a left MCL strain.

The fact that Couturier is returning to Philadelphia for evaluation is not a good sign for his short-term availability.

The team plays on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Florida. They have Thanksgiving off before taking on the Metro leading New York Rangers on Friday.

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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @MsJenNeale_PD.