Flyers' Neuvirth on shutout streak: 'It's been an unbelievable last few days'
Fans of the Philadelphia Flyers have been grousing about the team's goaltending ever since, well ... let's just say it's been a common complaint over the years (decades?) in the City of Brotherly Love.
That talk temporarily has been put on hold after Michal Neuvirth posted back-to-back shutouts for the Flyers (2-1-1). Neuvirth, who recorded consecutive blankings in the American Hockey League, notched seven shutouts in as many NHL seasons prior to signing a two-year, $3.25 million deal with Philadelphia on July 1.
Playing in place of Steve Mason (personal family matter), Neuvirth turned aside all 31 shots he faced in a 1-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on Monday before making 30 saves in a 3-0 triumph over the Chicago Blackhawks two nights later. Jeff Hackett (2003-04) is the only other Philadelphia goaltender to accomplish back-to-back shutouts in his first two starts with the team.
"It's been an unbelievable last few days," Neuvirth told NJ.com after extending his shutout streak to 132 minutes, 5 seconds. "... Coming to the game, I came relaxed and told myself to have fun and trust yourself. And I felt good."
The 27-year-old Neuvirth probably felt pretty good stopping veteran forward Marian Hossa on a short-handed breakaway in the second period.
Neuvirth owns a 68-63-17 career mark with a 2.70 GAA with the Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders and Flyers.
(h/t Philadelphia Flyers)
