Without defenseman Ivan Provorov, the Flyers’ chances of winning their Eastern Conference quarterfinal against the Penguins would go from slim to infinitesimal.
That’s why the Flyers were holding their collective breath, hoping the standout second-year defenseman can play in Game 6 on Sunday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins lead the series, three games to two, and can advance with a victory.
Late in the Flyers’ dramatic 4-2 win Friday in Pittsburgh, Provorov collided with Pittsburgh’s Brian Dumoulin and crashed into the boards. It appeared Provorov’s left shoulder took the brunt of the hit.