Flyers goalie Brian Elliott has 'core muscle' surgery, team says - Philly

Flyers goaltender Brian Elliott had successful core muscle surgery Tuesday morning and is expected to be out five to six weeks, the team announced.

Elliott has what is believed to be a recurrence of a groin injury. He is the most identifiable reason the Flyers are in a playoff position, his spirited and exceptional play in December and January rescuing them from that 10-game winless streak that appeared to have buried them.

“There’s a good level of confidence in both of our guys,” Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said Tuesday after the morning skate, referring to Elliott and Michal Neuvirth.  “And obviously it’s unfortunate that Brian is not available …  But when you can have Michal Neuvirth step in and do the job that he did in Vegas and has done the majority of the season for us, it’s an area of strength.”

Neuvirth’s Gamelog | Flyers’ Schedule

“When you have two goalies able to step up when you need them to, your confidence – being comfortable on the ice – it’s better,” Flyers captain Claude Giroux said.

On Saturday against the Coyotes in Arizona,  Elliott slumped to the ice and had to leave the game after being hit in the mask by Clayton Keller’s stick on Arizona’s second shootout shot.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.