Flyers' MacDonald, Schenn close to returning

The Flyers got some positive news on the injury front Monday: Andrew MacDonald and Luke Schenn, defensemen who will help their sagging penalty-killing unit, were upgraded to "day to day," and there is a possibility they will play Wednesday against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Both practiced Monday in Voorhees. If they don't play Wednesday, they could return Thursday against visiting Minnesota.

"They need practice," coach Craig Berube said.

Schenn, who injured his left shoulder when hit by Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon on Nov. 8, said "every day is getting a lot better. Obviously after the hit I was pretty sore for a couple days . . . but it's come together nicely."

MacDonald, sidelined after he blocked a shot with his right knee against Pittsburgh on Oct. 22, said he was happy with his progress, and added that playing Wednesday was "not out of the question. . . . We'll see how practice goes" Tuesday.

In addition, Michael Raffl skated on his own, and he could be three weeks away from returning. "It's more fun than being at the gym," said a smiling Raffl, who had been the top-line left winger before injuring his right foot Nov. 4.

The Flyers are coming off consecutive losses to Columbus and Montreal, in which they allowed six power-play goals in seven attempts.

Raffl, MacDonald and Schenn are key members of the penalty kill.

"Overall, we're not aggressive enough," Berube said of the penalty-killing woes. "We've got to have more pressure on the puck."

At practice, Brayden Schenn, coming off a two-goal performance in Saturday's 6-3 loss in Montreal, remained at left wing on the top line with Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek. That line will stay intact Wednesday.

Wayne Simmonds will remain at right wing on a line with Sean Couturier and Matt Read, and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare will again center Vinny Lecavalier and R.J. Umberger - a line that was formed Saturday.