Braydon Coburn out for Game Three

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Flyers playoff hopes continue to dim today. After losing to the Penguins yesterday to fall into a 2-0 hole in the series, the Flyers learned today that they will play Game 3 without defenseman Braydon Coburn. Coburn took a puck to the face in the first period of Game 2 and had to leave the game. He got 50 stitches on his face around his left eye and lost a lot of blood, making him feel lightheaded. The Flyers have already ruled him out for Game 3, although there is a chance he could return for Game 4 on Thursday. Ryan Parent will suit up in Coburn's place.

The Flyers were already playing without their best defenseman Kimmo Timonen, and now they lose their second best d-man in Coburn. It's another big loss, one that might be too much to overcome. Derian Hatcher, who played well in Game 2, will have to continue to play a huge role for the Flyers. The Flyers lack depth on the blue line, so guys like Lasse Kukkonen and Jaroslav Modry will have to step up and play key roles.

The Penguins offense would be tough enough to stop even if the Flyers were at full strength. The mounting injuries might make beating their cross-state rivals nearly impossible.

"Highlights" of Coburn's injury: