Overview
- The Flyers listed Owen Tippett as a game-time decision for Saturday’s series opener after he stayed late at the optional skate with players expected to sit.
- Coach Rick Tocchet kept Tippett’s status unresolved on Friday, while a Saturday report described him as doubtful and signposts pointed to Alex Bump taking his spot.
- Bump practiced on a line with Trevor Zegras and Porter Martone on Friday and skipped the optional skate, which typically signals he is in the lineup.
- Tippett has played all six playoff games despite a lingering issue, posting two points and logging 21:48 in the first-round clincher against Pittsburgh.
- Carolina gets Nikolaj Ehlers back from a lower‑body injury for Game 1 while defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains in concussion protocol and is questionable.