VOORHEES, N.J. (AP) Flyers goalie Robert Esche practiced Monday and could start Game 6 against the Maple Leafs after leaving Game 5 with flu symptoms.
Defenseman Vladimir Malakhov is doubtful, however, for Tuesday night's game at Toronto because he injured his head during Philadelphia's 7-2 victory Sunday.
Philadelphia leads the series 3-2.
Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock wouldn't say whether Malakhov has a concussion. The defenseman will participate in the morning skate Tuesday, then be evaluated.
Esche left Sunday's game after the first period because he was dizzy and dehydrated. Sean Burke played the final two periods, allowing one goal. On Sunday, the Flyers would only say that Esche and Malakhov had ''upper-body injuries.''
After Monday's practice, Esche wouldn't speak to reporters. He did relay a statement through Hitchcock, though: ''I had a lot of jump out there today. I felt better this morning after I woke up, and my energy level felt back to normal.''
Starting in the playoffs for the first time, Esche has been outstanding, outplaying New Jersey's Martin Brodeur in the first round and Toronto's Ed Belfour so far in the second round.
Esche is 7-3 with one shutout, a 2.04 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in the playoffs.
If Esche can't play Tuesday, Burke will start. Antero Niittymaki will go to Toronto in case the Flyers need a backup.
Esche ''played well for us. He looked great today,'' Burke said. ''He was quick, he was jumping around pretty good.''
Malakhov was hurt when he was checked into the boards by Toronto's Darcy Tucker in the first period Sunday. If he can't play Tuesday, forward Sami Kapanen will move back to defense to take his spot. Kapanen played defense when Kim Johnsson was sidelined by a hand injury.
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Defenseman Vladimir Malakhov is doubtful, however, for Tuesday night's game at Toronto because he injured his head during Philadelphia's 7-2 victory Sunday.
Philadelphia leads the series 3-2.
Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock wouldn't say whether Malakhov has a concussion. The defenseman will participate in the morning skate Tuesday, then be evaluated.
Esche left Sunday's game after the first period because he was dizzy and dehydrated. Sean Burke played the final two periods, allowing one goal. On Sunday, the Flyers would only say that Esche and Malakhov had ''upper-body injuries.''
After Monday's practice, Esche wouldn't speak to reporters. He did relay a statement through Hitchcock, though: ''I had a lot of jump out there today. I felt better this morning after I woke up, and my energy level felt back to normal.''
Starting in the playoffs for the first time, Esche has been outstanding, outplaying New Jersey's Martin Brodeur in the first round and Toronto's Ed Belfour so far in the second round.
Esche is 7-3 with one shutout, a 2.04 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in the playoffs.
If Esche can't play Tuesday, Burke will start. Antero Niittymaki will go to Toronto in case the Flyers need a backup.
Esche ''played well for us. He looked great today,'' Burke said. ''He was quick, he was jumping around pretty good.''
Malakhov was hurt when he was checked into the boards by Toronto's Darcy Tucker in the first period Sunday. If he can't play Tuesday, forward Sami Kapanen will move back to defense to take his spot. Kapanen played defense when Kim Johnsson was sidelined by a hand injury.
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