Flyers suffer huge loss ahead of Game 1.

The Philadelphia Flyers will be entering a very challenging series with a significant piece of their lineup on the sidelines.

The signs of bad news began early on Saturday morning for the Flyers when veteran defenseman Owen Tippett remained on the ice long after practice with other regular healthy scratches. There was concern that Tippett could miss Game 1 of the second round series between the Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes, and that concern has only grown throughout the day.

Shortly before game time, with plenty of concern around Tippett already, Flyers reporter Kevin Kurz shared an update in which he announced that Tippett was doubtful for Game 1.

And now the Flyers have just officially confirmed Tippett will not play tonight in Game 1.

Tippet was injured in the Flyers' opening round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, slamming his leg and knee into the goalpost in what was the final and clinching game of that series. Losing him on the blue line is a significant blow to the Flyers, especially heading into a series where most view the Hurricanes as the heavy favorites.