Why Simmonds' loss is Lecavalier's gain

Wayne Simmonds' season-ending leg injury has had a ripple effect on the Flyers: Vinny Lecavalier has returned to the lineup and Ryan White has moved to the first power-play unit.

In addition, defenseman Brandon Manning will replace the injured Andrew MacDonald (hand) and be paired with Carlo Colaiacovo when the Flyers host San Jose in a Saturday matinee.

Lecavalier has been a healthy scratch 17 times, including the last three games, and will likely play the final seven games of the most frustrating season of his career.

The Flyers did not have practice Thursday, but Lecavalier was on the ice, "trying to get back in the groove." He skated on the third line at Friday's practice in Voorhees.

"Short shifts are the key for [Saturday]," said Lecavalier, who turns 35 next month. "No matter what you do or how hard you practice, it's never a game situation, so try to keep it short and sharp."

Without a goal in a career-high 26 straight games, Lecavalier will play right wing on a line with left winger Chris VandeVelde and center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. He will also be on the second power-play unit, with Sean Couturier, Michael Raffl, Matt Read and Michael Del Zotto.

Brayden Schenn will move from third-line right winger to Simmonds' spot on the second line Saturday.

Coach Craig Berube, who has not been pleased with Lacavalier's defense, bypassed a chance to put the veteran forward on the second line. When he hasn't been benched, Lecavalier has been on the bottom-two lines most of the season.

"It's pretty clear from all year where my spot is from where he's been putting me," said Lecavalier, who signed a five-year $22.5 million deal before last season. ". . . I don't want to bash anybody. He does what he thinks is best for the team."

Lecavalier, who was nearly traded to Nashville last summer, has three years left on his deal, and is owed $10.5 million.

The Flyers could buy out Lecavalier's contract after the season - they would have to pay two-thirds of his contract, and the cap hit would be spread over six years - but he said he hopes to remain with the team.

"I love this team. I love this organization," Lecavalier said. "This year's been a tough year as a team, but there's a lot of talent . . . and for sure I'd like to come back."

Lecavalier said he has a lot of good years left.

"I feel good," he said. "Maybe it's just a better opportunity I need. I know I can bounce back."

As for White, he will play on the first-power unit for the first time in his NHL career - other than part of one shift a few weeks ago.

"Excited for the opportunity," said White, a potential unrestricted free agent who wants to re-sign with the Flyers. "I watched some clips this morning with [assistant] Joey Mullen on Simmer. He's one of the best in the league, so I'm just trying to pick up a few things from him. Be in front of the goalie and try to take his eyes away."

Breakaways. About 20 soldiers from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst visited the locker room after practice and ate lunch with the players and coaches. . . . The Flyers will try to end a nine-game losing streak (0-6-3) against non-playoff teams.