L. Schenn returns to Flyers' lineup; Emery starts vs. Devils

Defenseman  Luke Schenn will return to the Flyers' lineup Thursday night against visiting New Jersey, and goalie Ray Emery will make just his second start in the last 10 games.

Schenn, a healthy scratch the previous two games, will replace Michael Del Zotto.

"You keep a good attitude, and whether you get taken out or not, you don't let things get to you and take it personally ," Schenn said. "At the end of your career, there's always going to be bumps in the road and ups and downs. You always continue to fight through it, and this year is no different…I think it probably makes you stronger at the end."

Schenn, who is a team-worst minus-12 in 20 games this year, will be paired with Andrew MacDonald for just the fourth time this season. Last season, they were a formidable duo after MacDonald was acquired from the Islanders.

Emery will make his first start since Nov. 29, a 5-2 loss to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. In 13 career appearances against the Devils, Emery is 7-4-2 with a 1.91 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

Vinny Lecavalier will be a healthy scratch for the fifth straight game.

The Flyers are starting a four-game homestand that also includes games against Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida. They are seven points out of a playoff spot.

New Jersey is led by ex-Flyer Jaromir Jagr, an ageless 42-year-old winger who tops the Devils with 17 points.

A smiling Jagr said he hopes to play to the same age as Gordie Howe (52)and that he will return to the Flyers someday. "Give me three years," he said. He was kidding on both counts. We think.

Then again, never put anything past him.

Breakaways. Emery will face Cory Schneider, who is 11-12-3 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. Emery is 4-4-1 with a 3.28 GAA and .896 save percentage....Mike Cammalleri, who leads the Devils with 11 goals, will return from an injury and be in New Jersey's lineup tonight....Jagr on Flyers' struggles: "I'd probably tell you what their problem is, but we have the same kind of record."....The Flyers have lost four straight to New Jersey at the Wells Fargo Center....In 91 career games vs. the Flyers, Jagr has 113 points _ 42 goals and 71 assists...Jagr said Jake Voracek's breakout year is because of his off-season training program.. Voracek is third in the NHL with 34 points. Claude Giroux is tied for sixth with 30 points.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.