On the Ice with Isaac: Steve Mason Wants to be the Flyers Main Man in Net

WASHINGTON — It was a furrowed-brow look that was half confused and half surprised at the question.

How do you feel?

Flyers goalie Steve Mason said he feels just fine. Why wouldn’t he? He’s the starting netminder.

Well, for the first time in more than a calendar year Mason had to make consecutive starts on consecutive days. He’s fighting through an injury and really has to be “the guy” for the Flyers with Michal Neuvirth still on the shelf with an injury.

“I feel fine,” Mason said. “I think this is the most important stretch of the season and I want to be playing. We have an off-day (Monday) where you get your rest. I feel fine right now.”

Eleven days prior to the Flyers’ 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, Mason took a morning skate in the same arena, but couldn’t dress for the game. He’s still fighting off that nagging injury, but is able to play through it.

The Flyers are in a playoff race. Between the pipes is where Mason is most valuable to his team these days even if he’s not 100 percent. His retort to that is a fair one: at this juncture in the season, few players are 100 percent.