Wayne Simmonds, Sean Couturier expected to return to Flyers lineup Saturday

Right winger Wayne Simmonds and center Sean Couturier, two vital members of the Flyers who have been rehabbing from injuries, are expected to make their preseason debuts when the club finishes its exhibition schedule Saturday in Boston.

"It's a big benefit for them to be able to play a game," coach Dave Hakstol said after practice Friday in Voorhees.

Simmonds, who had a litany of injuries last season and underwent offseason abdominal surgery, skated on the third line with James van Riemsdyk and rookie center Mikhail Vorobyev on Friday. Couturier centered the top unit, which included Claude Giroux and Travis Konecny.

Simmonds said he was hopeful to get a tune-up for the Flyers' season opener Thursday in Las Vegas.

"I've been sitting and watching all these preseason games and just making sure I'm ready to go come season time," he said. "I feel good."

Simmonds, one of the league's elite power forwards when healthy, said "it's just a matter of getting my timing down and getting into the plays."

He said he feels ready to go.

"I've had seven or eight days in a row without any hiccups, so that's a good thing," he said. "There's not a doubt in my mind that I'm ready, physically."

Couturier, who reinjured his right knee in a benefit game last month, also said he felt ready to play Saturday.

"Practice is never the same as a real game," said Couturier, who had career highs in goals (31) and points (76) last season. "Even a preseason game [compared] to a regular-season game is a little different. It's just a matter of getting back into rhythm, getting some good habits back, and getting a good feel for the game."