OTTAWA - Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning said he expects to be cleared by team doctors Friday and hopes to be available for Saturday's matinee against visiting Chicago.
Thursday was the third straight game he missed because of an upper-body injury.
"The last few days, I feel a lot better," he said after a one-hour practice session Thursday. In 21 games, Manning has three goals, nine points, and a plus-1 rating.
Meanwhile, goalie Michal Neuvirth and center Sean Couturier are making progress from knee injuries. General manager Ron Hextall said Neuvirth is expected to resume skating Friday.