Flyers without leading goal scorer to open second round of playoffs

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Flyers didn’t have Owen Tippett for Game 1 of their best-of-seven second-round playoff series against the Hurricanes.

The 27-year-old winger has been playing banged up in the postseason, at times missing practice and morning skate for recovery purposes. Prior to Saturday night, he had not missed a game in these playoffs.

His injury has not been disclosed and he’s considered day to day.

Tippett was shaken up in the Flyers’ playoff clincher over two and a half weeks ago and he has played a highly physical game in the playoffs.

He didn’t practice Friday, but he was on the ice for Saturday’s optional morning skate at Lenovo Center. He stayed on late for extra work with the team’s healthy scratches, a sign that he would not be available tonight.

Tippett led the Flyers with 28 goals in the regular season and had 51 points. He was a massive factor in the team’s surge after the Olympic break.

“He’s special as a player and person,” Noah Cates said in March. “Premier power forward in the league, a scorer. When he’s physical and into it and winning every race, every battle, not much can really stop him. … He’s a catalyst for our team.”

Garnet Hathaway entered the lineup after not playing Wednesday night in the Flyers’ 1-0 overtime win over the Penguins. The victory sealed the Flyers’ first-round series in six games, setting up a second-round date with Carolina.

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