Flyers make changes for Bruins game

BOSTON -- The Flyers, coming off last night's 2-1 loss at home to Dallas, got into Boston at an early enough time that a morning skate was a viable option, despite being a back-to-back. Thirteen players hit the ice, while others worked out off the ice at TD Garden. Coach Dave Hakstol was not on the ice, as the optional skate was run by the assistant coaches.

The late start tonight (8 p.m.) had a little to do with some players wanting to get their skates on.

"It's better to get out here and get the meetings done here than sit around the hotel all day and just wait for the game to come," winger Jakub Voracek said.

The morning skate also revealed some lineup changes for tonight's contest with the Bruins.

Goalie Michal Neuvirth was the first off the ice and will start. Neuvirth posted two shutouts last week in relief of Steve Mason.

R.J. Umberger, a healthy scratch last night, returns to the lineup. He's in for winger Sam Gagner. Brandon Manning will also be scratched, meaning Luke Schenn gets back in the lineup. He and Umberger will play in their first games since the Oct. 10 blowout loss in Florida.

Manning was on the ice for both Dallas goals last night.

"It's not always as simple as it looks, taking one or two guys out and one or two guys in. It's part of an evaluation of the game we want to play tonight," Hakstol said. "It's part of our overall performance from the previous night. Getting R.J. in, he's been a good player for us. Coming off injury, he was good to go last night but we thought one extra day was good for him and we wanted to make sure we got him back in tonight. That was the bulk of that decision."

Umberger, who had a miserable season last year filled with injuries, started the season strong with two good efforts in the Flyers' games in Florida last weekend.

He said this week it was frustrating missing games, especially when healthy.