When the 2015-16 campaign opened in October, it was known going in that goaltending would not be an issue at all — in fact, it was a reasonable argument that it would be the strongest facet of the Flyers' game.
For the past two seasons (and a small chunk of the lockout-shortened 2013 campaign), Flyers fans have been accustomed to the spectacular play of Steve Mason, and his penchant for keeping the Orange and Black in just about any games they'd play. It was hard to watch at times as Mason failed to get any defensive support in front of him, but would still continue to look superhuman and bail his team out.
As free agency opened this summer and the Flyers inked journeyman Michal Neuvirth to a deal, it was implied that he would back Mason up. He was viewed as an immediate upgrade over the largely-inconsistent Ray Emery, but his chances at competing for the starting role were about as slim as they would get.
Neuvirth went on to accomplish something that no Flyers goalie has done since 2004, when he pitched shutouts in his first two games with the Orange and Black. Considering that one of those was done against a Florida Panthers team that had embarrassed the Flyers just days before and the other was against the defending Stanley Cup champions, there really was no better way for Neuvirth to begin his Flyers career. The fact that Mason needed to miss those games due to a personal matter gave Neuvirth the opportunity, and he did all you can ask a backup to do.
It was a situation that looked like it had all the makings of a goalie controversy. But, of course, two games is way too small to declare a controversy, and the kibosh was (seemingly) put on that once Neuvirth was sidelined with an upper-body injury.
But now, Neuvirth has pitched a pair of steady games against a pair of Central Division teams, and the talk of a goalie controversy seems like it will resurface sooner rather than later. He turned away 35 of 37 shots against St. Louis on Thursday, and returned for a stellar 41-save effort against the NHL-leading Dallas Stars on Friday. It was the first time Dave Hakstol used the same goalie in back-t0-back games this season.
Neuvirth's record stands at 7-4-2, with a 2.00 GAA and a .939 save percentage — a save percentage that leads the league. Mason's numbers stand at 5-8-4 with a 2.93 GAA and a .905 SP — the worst numbers of his Philadelphia tenure. Of course, there is still time for him to right the ship.
Conventional wisdom would dictate that Neuvirth would usurp Mason as the Flyers' Number 1. However, Hakstol is not willing to make that switch yet (via CSNPhilly).
“I don’t think we decide on starts based on who’s turn it is,” Hakstol said. “It’s a competitive-based business. Neuvy yes, absolutely. It is important to reward. I guess that directly answers your question. It’s important to reward that.
“Neuvy has played extremely well for us. We’ll look forward to the next game and make a decision as get towards game day. Nothing changes as far as No. 1 or No. 2 stuff. Mase is our guy still.”
On the surface, it makes sense that Hakstol wants to keep moving forward with Mason as the starter. Not only is he more established over a wider sample, but it's important for Mason to keep his confidence. Losing his confidence would be a worst-case scenario for Mason, and the Flyers' quality crease play would diminish. It's important for Mason to be able to work through this slump, while also getting the necessary support in front of him.
But if Neuvirth's quality (and stellar) play continues, it will be impossible for Hakstol to ignore. But at the same time, Neuvirth has to bounce back to Earth at some point — even though it doesn't seem that way with the level that he's been performing at.
Another interesting thing to keep in mind is Mason's work with new goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh. Upon his arrival to the Flyers in 2013, Mason began working with Jeff Reese — who he credits for his revitalization in 2013-14. But as Reese left the team under acrimonious circumstances last March, the question was how it would affect Mason. Dillabaugh's time has been brief so far, but ultimately, his impact can't wholly translate to the defense (or lack thereof) in front of Mason.
At the end of the day, a goaltending situation like this one is not exactly the worst problem for the Flyers to have. Neuvirth has flourished in his backup role, and the window is still open for Mason to pick his numbers back up. There is no clear answer as to how Hakstol will handle it, but it will still be handled as the season progresses.
Goaltending wasn't an area of concern for the Flyers as the 2015-16 season began. Yet it still managed to become one of their most interesting areas, particularly as Michal Neuvirth continues to exceed expectations.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
