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Flyers' Travis Konecny expected to play vs. Blue Jackets

Right winger Travis Konecny, who injured his right foot Tuesday, is listed as "probable" for Thursday's game against visiting Columbus, according to general manager Ron Hextall.

Montreal’s Alex Galchenyuk getting chased on a breakaway by Andrew Macdonald (47) and Travis Konecny during the third period of the Flyers’ 3-2 OT win Tuesday.
Montreal’s Alex Galchenyuk getting chased on a breakaway by Andrew Macdonald (47) and Travis Konecny during the third period of the Flyers’ 3-2 OT win Tuesday.Read moreTOM MIHALEK / AP

There was good news for the Flyers on Wednesday: Right winger Travis Konecny, who has been sizzling since he moved to the top line, will probably play Thursday against visiting Columbus, general manager Ron Hextall said.

In the first period of Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over Montreal, Konecny was injured while blocking Jeff Petry's shot with his left foot. He returned to the game and was in obvious pain. X-rays, apparently, were negative.

Konecny did not practice Wednesday, and Taylor Leier took his spot.

"You want to have everybody available, and we'll see at game day who is ready to go," coach Dave Hakstol said after Wednesday's practice in Voorhees. "Whoever is in will have to do a good job. Hopefully, T.K. will be a part of that."

Konecny has 11 goals and 24 points in 25 games since joining left winger Claude Giroux and center Sean Couturier on the top line.

Leier has been a healthy scratch the last seven games and is itching to play.

"I would take any spot in the lineup right now," Leier said. "I've been ready the whole year, and nothing has really changed day to day for me. I've tried to keep the same routine, whether I'm in or out, and I think that helps a lot mentally and kind of keeps you in a rhythm."

The Flyers (31-19-10) have moved to within three points of Metropolitan Division leader Washington thanks to a 7-0-2 run. They are a blistering 23-8-3 since they ended a 10-game losing skid with a 5-2 win in Calgary on Dec. 4.

Breakaways

Goalie Petr Mrazek, acquired from Detroit on Monday night, is expected to make his Flyers debut Thursday. The Flyers haven't had a home shutout all season . … Winger Jori Lehtera was ill and missed Wednesday's practice.