Steve Mason started tonight in Carolina.
We were expecting that given the Canes have an aggressive forecheck and coach Peter Laviolette wanted to help his undermanned defense with someone who could perhaps play the puck more often to assist the Flyer D on the breakout.
Now that the Flyers are officially eliminated from the playoffs, I would like to see Mason play these final four games to get for him on a regular roll. At this point, no harm, no foul.
Laviolette told me he'd like to try some different things to close it out, but I don't know if this is one of them.
He really thought if Zac Rinaldo's high-ankle sprain had healed, this would have been a perfect opportunity to get him some penalty kill time.
At least we will continue to get a long look at Oliver Lauridsen and at Erik Gustafsson playing with a fellow puck mover in Kimmo Timonen. Gustafsson's ice time has soared because of injuries to fellow D and the move to playing with Timonen. He's already had a career-high 25 minutes=plus against New Jersey this week.
I spoke with Paul Holmgren today about Kent Hustkins and some other Flyer personnel people. I felt bad for Huskins' season ending the way it did with a cheap shot to the head from Ryan White in Montreal.
Huskins had played very well here and been a steadying influence on this patchwork defense. The Flyers most likely are NOT going to re-sign him though I think he is a solid 7th guy. They feel they can use a younger player next year in that role.
I dont agree with that. Young players need to PLAY not sit as a 7th man. Which is why I would re-sign Huskins.
The decision on Simon Gagne may very well come down to whether the club keeps Adam Hall. If Gagne agrees to half his salary, I think he comes back. He's not going to go into the traffic areas very often, but his skill and speed are still very much present. He's got some years left in him, I feel.
We all know the big issue this summer is on defense ... but that's another story for another day.
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