Will Steve Mason Play in Game One vs Rangers?

VOORHEES – Just like always, Steve Mason was the first Flyer on the ice. He and goalie coach Jeff Reese went through their normal routine before most of the other players had started practicing.

Then, after about half an hour, he left the ice. The goalie, who was knocked over by teammate Andrew MacDonald Saturday in Pittsburgh and left the game with what the team called an “upper-body” injury, said he felt OK.

“I feel better each day and we’ll see how I feel tomorrow,” Mason said through a team spokesman.

While his presence on the ice is encouraging, the Flyers aren’t ready to be definitive in saying he’ll start Thursday in Game 1 against the New York Rangers.

“That’s not been determined yet,” coach Craig Berube said.

Mason left the practice facility while most of his teammates were still on the ice to get treatment. Treatment for what? Well, GM Paul Holmgren didn’t want to say much about that, either. He wouldn’t even comment on whether Mason suffered a concussion or not.

“I don’t feel I need to divulge,” Holmgren said. “We’re at a critical time in our season right now. I don’t feel the need to divulge what’s wrong with a player. He’s gonna play or not. That’s what’s gonna tell you.”

Mason, 25, has said he’s looking forward to his second trip to the playoffs. His first came five years ago in his rookie season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This season Mason tied his career high in games played (61) and wins (33) with his first season in which he also won the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie.