Yo, the Flyers.

After getting shut out by the Blackhawks the night before and losing to the Arizona Coyotes in overtime Monday night, the Flyers got a much-needed 2-0 victory over the Blues in St. Louis. Michal Neuvirth had a night with stopping all 33 shots on goal, but the biggest star of the night has to be Ivan Provorov.

The second-year defenseman is a Russian machine. This was the fourth straight game he played more than 27 minutes (27:11), recorded five hits, and tied a franchise record with 10 blocked shots.

The Flyers didn’t lose any defensemen, and thank god they didn’t. This was the defense for the night:

https://twitter.com/CFJastrzembski/status/926240801763545088

I mean…

https://twitter.com/CFJastrzembski/status/926273208914935808

There were plenty of scary moments for the defense, but Neuvirth came to play. That was big. It sounds like Ron Hextall won’t be searching the trade market for another defenseman either.

Flyers return home to take on the Colorado Avalanche Saturday night. A defensemen or two back would help.

The Roundup:

The Phillies introduced Gabe Kapler as their new manager yesterday afternoon. We highlighted some of his top moments, such as his jawline and coconut oil.

But why did Matt Klentak choose Kapler?

“As we were reaching the end of the process, it became very clear there was one person who separated himself and was the right man to lead the Phillies into the future,” Klentak said. “That person is Gabe Kapler. Gabe Kapler is incredibly prepared. That came through in the interview process. It came through as we talked to people throughout the industry that either played with him or worked with him, players who had played for him. If he brings the same level of preparation and grit to the Phillies that he brought to the field as a player, our fans are going to love this guy.

“He has a unique ability to connect with people. We saw this in the interview process. But we’ve also seen this in our talks with people who have been around him in his career. He can connect with players. He can connect with the media. He can connect with the front office. He has a very unique ability to do that. I think that bodes very well for our young roster.

The Eagles continued practicing in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. That will be a blackout game.

On the injury front, Ronald Darby (ankle) and now Zach Ertz (hamstring) were limited during practice. I don’t expect Darby to play Sunday. As for Ertz, hopefully he plays.

Carson got an award:

Facts only.

NFL Films had Doug Pederson mic’d up during Sunday’s game, and he got angry. I really like angry Doug.

Fletcher Cox spoke to Joe Staley after his eye injury Sunday afternoon.

A local note on Broncos kicker and former North Penn and Temple product Brandon McManus:

https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/926228554609840132

Finally, what’s going on with Sidney Jones?

On the hardwood, the Sixers were back at practice after Wednesday night’s win over the Atlanta Hawks. Kevin Kinkead highlights the team’s second quarter struggles and Amir Johnson on social media.

Some of the top highlights from the Hawks win.

Sam Hinkie has risen from a short Twitter slumber.

The attendance is one of the best in the league.

Sixers try to increase their winning streak to four games and get above .500 for the first time since 2013 tonight against the Pacers. Tip off is at 7. Richaun Holmes is available for the game.

The Delaware 87ers open up their G League season tonight in Maine against the Red Claws. They released their Opening Night roster.

Frank Nutile’s four touchdown passes helped Temple defeat Navy 34-26. The 4-5 Owls snapped Navy’s nice 69-game streak of a rushing touchdown and their 12-0 undefeated record at Lincoln Financial Field.

In other sports news, Texans rookie quarterback DeShaun Watson is done for the season after tearing his ACL in a non-contact drill. The team signed former Eagle Matt McGloin as well as T.J. Yates. They will start Tom Savage on Sunday.

Odell Beckham Jr., through Josina Anderson, send Watson a get well message. Read that first before you check out Jimmy Kempski’s breakdown:

Also done for the year is Colts QB Andrew Luck.

This was Buffalo’s only highlight in their 34-21 loss to the New York Jets:

https://twitter.com/xmasape/status/926255646454026240

Richie Incognito is on the side of no Thursday Night games.

Damian Lillard beat the Lakers last night:

Lonzo Ball had zero points.

Most ESPN employees won’t be able to break news directly on Twitter. They’ll have to do it on ESPN’s website first. That’s backwards.

The FBI has cleared Louisville basketball freshman Brian Bowen and the school can now reinstate him. His recruitment led to the firings of head coach Rick Pitino and AD Tom Jurich.

Oh?

Translation:

Personal achievements and medals – all of this great, but in hockey, like with everything, to win it’s important to have a team. Only a team is capable of changing the course of a game, achieve the impossible. Lately, in the Western Press, I’m noticing a comparison to Putin’s team. And you know, I really liked that comparison. Personally, I’m ready to be a member of that team. I never hid my relationship with our president, always openly supported him.

I’m certain that there are many of us that support Vladimir Putin. Let’s unite and show everyone a strong and united Russia. Today, I want to announce a social movement in the name of Putin Team. Be a part of this team – to me it’s a privilege, it’s like the feeling of when you put on the jersey of the Russian team, knowing that the whole country is rooting for you. #putinteam

In the news, a man and woman were found dead inside an SUV in Port Richmond.

Donald Trump’s Twitter account was deactivated for a little bit:

What a way to end your job at Twitter:

‘House of Cards’ employees have accused Kevin Spacey of harassment.

The iPhone X goes on sale today.