Carter skates but won't play tonight

MONTREAL -- Jeff Carter was on the ice for the full morning skate today at the Bell Centre.

The timetable for his return is still unclear, but seeing the Flyers' leading scorer on the ice gave his teammates a boost.

"He's looking good," Simon Gagne said. "That's what I told him. He's feeling better and better. That's good news."

"Jeff is a competitor," Scott Hartnell said. "It was good to see him out on the ice, shooting pucks and putting them in the back of the net."

One thing is for certain: the Flyers will not have Carter tonight for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. General manager Paul Holmgren said Carter is "day-to-day."

That leaves their ultimate focus on tonight's game - and not any possible returns.

"Our eyes are on the prize, and that's getting to the Finals," Hartnell said. "This building is loud and unbelievable. The fans here are crazy. If we're sitting back and trying to make plays, it will be a long night."

Ian Laperriere also skated with the Flyers today, wearing a full facial shield for facial protection. There is no update on his return. He also is considered day-to-day, Holmgren said.

Neither player addressed the media.

More coming...