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Philadelphia Flyers G Michal Neuvirth Out for Regular Season

By Dan Heaning |
Feb 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Flames, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Flames, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Flyers will have to battle their way into the playoffs without goaltender Michal Neuvirth, who is out of the rest of the regular season.

The Philadelphia Flyers were dealt a huge blow to their playoff chances today as the team announced goaltender Michal Neuvirth will miss the remainder of the regular season with a lower-body injury.

Fans and experts alike were tipped off that something may not have been right with the Czech netminder when he couldn’t make his scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday afternoon. Instead, Mason got the nod in the 4-1 loss.

Reports from the team stated that Neuvirth wasn’t “feeling right.” It is suggested that Neuvirth suffered a knee injury in warmups. He’s expected to miss three weeks.

Neuvirth was enjoying his best season in the NHL. His 2.28 goals against average and .925 save percentage are career highs, and his three shutouts match his second best effort. His GAA mark ties him with Roman Cechmanek’s from 2002-03, and his save percentage is just shy of Mason’s .928 SA last season, and is third-best in franchise history. Neuvirth’s stellar play was fueling a goaltending controversy with many suggesting the journeyman goalie be the man to take the helm as the starter.

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This now places a huge onus on Steve Mason to carry the load down the stretch. The Flyers face a loaded schedule that includes four back-to-backs, including their next two games in Brooklyn against the New York Islanders and again in Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets.

General manager Ron Hextall has recalled Lehigh Valley Phantoms starting goalie Anthony Stolarz. Meanwhile, Martin Ouelette goes from the Reading Royals in the ECHL to the AHL club. The Jackson, NJ native has played in 42 games and posted a 2.59 goals against average and .916 save percentage with a 19-15-3 record.

Sep 22, 2014; London, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Anthony Stolarz (65) in the first period against Toronto Maple Leafs at Budweiser Gardens. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2014; London, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Anthony Stolarz (65) in the first period against Toronto Maple Leafs at Budweiser Gardens. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

With numerous back-to-back situations, it’s more than possible that Stolarz sees his first NHL action in a very inopportune time for the Flyers. But Mason will have to play the better part of the remaining 12 games to help secure a playoff berth for Philadelphia.

Goaltending health has been a concern this season. With the Flyers one bad break away from being down to Stolarz as their go-to netminder, this is another giant setback for the team’s playoff hopes.

While Mason certainly should be the starter regardless of who the other goaltender is, four back-to-back is a tough task for anyone. However, now is the time for Mason to regain his form from last season and guide the team to the postseason. Anything less and the Fly Guys may be golfing again come mid-April.

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