On the Ice with Isaac – The Rise of Steve Mason

PHILADELPHIA — The Flyers’ goalie, he who budding star Shayne Gostisbehere calls the team MVP, spent a little time enjoying his latest win and a lot of time recovering from it.

Steve Mason made 33 saves in the Flyers’ 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday then spent plenty of time in the trainer’s room hooked up to an IV.

It’s not unusual for the goalie, who loses at least 10 pounds every game and practice. He’s had trouble replenishing in the past. Leg cramps caused him to pull himself out of a game in Toronto this year, something that stemmed from dehydration.

“You try to take care of yourself,” he said. You’ve got to replenish the fluids because I sweat so much, especially in a back-to-back situation where you don’t have enough time to pump the fluids in. Sometimes IVs help. More than anything it’s trying to get the mental rest when you can. We’ll get to the hotel today and just shut it down tonight and get ready for (Sunday).”

When he’s been properly hydrated, Mason has been terrific for the Flyers. Sunday marks the third anniversary of when he was traded to Philadelphia and this stretch of games may be his best as a Flyer. It may even be the best since he had 10 shutouts in his rookie year with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“In Philly? Probably. I have a pretty bad memory,” joked Jake Voracek, who was a teammate in Columbus also. “In Columbus…like I said, it’s been eight years. I’m getting old. He’s been outstanding all season long.”