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Flyers Notes: Flyers send Straka back to Phantoms

Left winger Petr Straka, who made a strong impression and had a total of two assists in his first three NHL games with the Flyers, was sent back to the Phantoms on Sunday, meaning Michael Raffl will likely be ready to play Thursday against the visiting New York Islanders.

Left winger Petr Straka, who made a strong impression and had a total of two assists in his first three NHL games with the Flyers, was sent back to the Phantoms on Sunday, meaning Michael Raffl will likely be ready to play Thursday against the visiting New York Islanders.

Straka set up the only goal Saturday as the Flyers defeated Toronto, 1-0.

"His skating and skill is what I noticed," coach Craig Berube said after practice Sunday in Voorhees. "He obviously can really skate and he has good hands. He played well for us."

Whether he makes an NHL impact will "come down to the hard areas for him on the walls and battling and things like that," Berube added. "Getting to the net and being competitive."

Raffl, who took part in his first full practice Sunday since being sidelined, figures to return to the lineup Thursday after a long illness, and defenseman Nick Grossmann (shoulder) also is expected back.

Raffl lost 10 pounds with what he called a lung infection, and he was coughing and huffing and puffing after Sunday's practice.

"I'm on my way back, thank God," Raffl said between a coughing spell. "It's not easy, conditioning-wise, but there's a way back and I'm going to find it."

Timonen in limbo

No decision has been made on whether defenseman Kimmo Timonen, sidelined with blood clots in his lower right leg, will return.

General manger Ron Hextall had said a decision would be made over the weekend, but all parties are still debating the issues.

Breakaways

Rookie center Scott Laughton (concussion) passed a baseline test and then skated by himself after practice. . . . The Flyers notched their first 1-0 win Saturday since Nov. 2, 2013, against New Jersey.