If the Flyers make the playoffs, Steve Mason's probably not paying for another drink in Philadelphia.
Michal Neuvirth went down with a lower-body injury on March 20, and the onus has fallen on Mason in the crease since - and he's been incredible. The 27-year-old stopped 23 of 24 shots in a win Monday; stopped a career-high 51 shots in a shootout loss Wednesday, when his team let him down; and made 32 saves in a huge 4-2 win on the road Thursday in Denver.
Mason's stopped 106 of 111 shots in three games, including a back-to-back, good for a .955 save percentage. Even more impressive: he's done it on the road. The Flyers are currently on a huge four-game swing, with one more stop Saturday in Phoenix.
Mason didn't skate Friday, according to CSN's Tim Panaccio, and is thought to be dealing with a sore left knee. The goaltender was icing up his knee after Thursday's game, but head coach Dave Hakstol said Mason is 100 percent fit and ready to go, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Sam Carchidi added.
If Mason starts Saturday, it will be his 10th start in 11 games.
The Flyers are tied with the Detroit Red Wings with 85 points, but Philly officially holds the East's second wild-card spot because the club's played one fewer game, 73 to Detroit's 74.
The Flyers play four games next week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at home against the Jets, Capitals, and Senators respectively. They'll be in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon. A huge game with the Red Wings looms on Wednesday, April 6.
It's the best time of year.
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