Coburn likely to return for Flyers against Blackhawks

CHICAGO - The Flyers defense is on the verge of getting a major upgrade.

Recovering from a foot injury, top-pairing defenseman Braydon Coburn continued to make progress during Monday's practice at the United Center, and he could return Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"Today was a good day," Coburn said after an 80-minute practice in which he had several defensive partners. "I feel like there was some improvement, and I feel more comfortable out there, so I'm hoping I can have a good day tomorrow."

Coburn said he would be a game-time decision. General manager Ron Hextall said he would be surprised if Coburn didn't play.

Coburn played in the Flyers' season-opening 2-1 loss in Boston, but he has missed the last four games with an injured left foot. The Flyers have allowed an average of four goals a game without him.

"He's definitely an important part," said goalie Steve Mason, whose 1-2-2 team is hoping the momentum from Saturday's 6-5 comeback win in Dallas will carry into Tuesday. "He logs a lot of minutes, and he's great for getting back on the backcheck because he's such a great skater. But at the same time, we just haven't done a good enough job in our zone to prevent goals from going in on a regular basis."

Chicago is 3-0-1 even though it is in the middle of the pack in goals scored (2.75 per game). Its power play, which is just 1 for 12 in its last two games, has struggled. The Blackhawks have seven of a possible eight points because goalie Corey Crawford, who will start Tuesday, has a 1.66 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

Mason (0-2-1) is expected to get the nod Tuesday. He has not received a lot of defensive support and is off to a slow start with a 3.78 goals-against average and a .865 save percentage.

"It hasn't been a very enjoyable start . . . but it's about finding ways every single day to try to get better," Mason said.

The Blackhawks' lineup includes three former Flyers wingers: Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg and Dan Carcillo. Versteeg, the team's second-line left winger, is expected to make his season debut after missing the first four games with an unspecified injury.

"They've been a great team for a number of years, and it's easy to get up for these games," Mason said. "These are the games that you can measure your team against. This will be a good test to try to put together a full 60 minutes. The game in Dallas, it was great we got the two points, but it wasn't a great overall game. We can't have that kind of effort against the Blackhawks."

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