The Flyers go to Columbus tonight to play the Blue Jackets. This is the only regular season meeting between the two teams this season. The Flyers and Blue Jackets skated to a 1-1 tie on December 10, 2003, their last meeting.
After recovering from a groin injury and playing backup one game, Robert Esche will return to goal.

Besides missing team leading scorer Simon Gagne, the Flyers will also be without Keith Primeau, Donald Brashear, Brian Savage, Tuner Stevenson, Joni Pitkanen, Eric Desjardins and Ryan Ready.
Columbus will be playing without Rick Nash, Rostislav Klesla, Alexandre Picard, Gilbert Brule and Manny Malhotra.

The Flyers have recalled Freddy Meyer, Ben Eager and Eric Chouinard for tonight’s game.
Jon Sim has been moved up to the Forsberg Knuble line in Gagne’s spot. The other lines are also expected to be shuffled.
R.J. Umberger will be returning to old stomping grounds for the first time where he played 3 years for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Columbus is coming off a 3-2 OT win against New Jersey on Sunday.
The Flyers are coming off a 3-2 win against Minnesota on Saturday.