Flyers' Hakstol: Mason still No. 1 goalie despite increased action for Neuvirth
Last month, Philadelphia Flyers coach Dave Hakstol went on record by declaring Steve Mason as the team's No. 1 goaltender.
The rookie coach didn't back off that statement this weekend to Philly.com, reiterating that Mason still gets top billing.
While his words say Mason, Hakstol's decisions have shown that he is riding the hotter goaltender. Case in point, Michal Neuvirth started contests on consecutive nights late last week during the Flyers' 5-2-1 run.
"Nothing changes in terms of No. 1 and No. 2. Mase is our guy still."
Signed to a two-year, $3.25 million deal on July 1, Neuvirth has posted a 7-4-2 record with three shutouts while his 2.00 goals-against average is third best in the league. The 27-year-old subdued the St. Louis Blues on Thursday before turning aside 41 shots in hard-luck 3-1 setback to the Dallas Stars the following night.
Mason, who is 5-8-4 with a 2.93 goals-against average, has struggled with consistency this season. The 27-year-old posted back-to-back victories over the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators on Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, respectively, before struggling a 4-1 setback to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 5.
As of noon on Monday, Hakstol hasn't publicly stated which goaltender will be in net on Tuesday when Philadelphia hosts the Carolina Hurricanes.
