Flyers expect Voracek back Saturday vs. Penguins

High-scoring winger Jake Voracek appears ready to return to the Flyers lineup Saturday afternoon against Pittsburgh, and his addition should bolster a lineup that excelled without him.

"It's huge for us," defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere said Friday after practice in Voorhees. "He's a staple of our team, and just to see how good we did without him is pretty much amazing. Just can't wait to see how much better we are with him."

Coach Dave Hakstol said it would be a game-time decision on whether Voracek plays. Based on Friday's practice, however, Voracek will be at right wing on the third line, alongside Nick Cousins and Matt Read.

Scott Laughton will drop from third- to fourth-line left winger and will replace Chris VandeVelde, who was suspended for two games by the league Friday for elbowing Chicago's Jonathan Toews in the head Wednesday.

The Flyers are on an 8-1-1 run - 7-1-1 since Voracek was sidelined because of an injured left foot - and they are one point behind Detroit and four points behind Pittsburgh in the battle for the two wild-card spots.

They have two games in hand on the Red Wings, and one on the Penguins.

Saturday is the Flyers' 70th game, and their first Wells Fargo meeting with the Penguins this season. The teams have three games left with each other.

"It's a playoff game for us. We're really excited about it," said Gostisbehere, who leads NHL rookie defensemen in goals (16) and points (39). "The building's going to be electric, for sure, and personally I'm very excited. Can't wait."

Voracek says he feels "way better" than when he first started skating Sunday. Hakstol figures to gradually increase his ice time with each game.

Voracek, who is tied for third on the team with 48 points, says he would feel comfortable if he is on Cousins' line Saturday.

"I've played with Cuz a couple games and he's a very good player," Voracek said. "For his age [22], he's playing very smart hockey and he's always positioned well on the ice in the defensive zone and the offensive zone as well."

Voracek said he may not have his timing right away, but that he is eager to return.

Without Voracek, the Flyers averaged 3.7 goals per game as many players improved their production.

"I think I've got to buy them beer when we make the playoffs," he said with a smile.

The Flyers are on a 5-0-1 run, including back-to-back wins over Detroit and Chicago. Pittsburgh, which is 3-0 since star center Evgeni Malkin went out with an injury, has won four in a row.

The Penguins had lost eight straight against the Flyers before beating them, 4-3, in Pittsburgh on Jan. 21. Steve Mason was in goal in that game. Michal Neuvirth, coming off a brilliant performance in Wednesday's 3-2 win in Chicago, is expected to start Saturday.

Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby (31 goals, 72 points), who has a 10-game points streak, told Pittsburgh reporters he was excited to play in front of the Philadelphia fans. "If you ever need extra motivation, it's there," he said.

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