When the Flyers signed unrestricted free agent Ray Emery after buying out Ilya Bryzgalov's contract, they did so in the hopes of forming an effective 1A and 1B goaltending tandem between Emery and Steve Mason. It is likely that the two goalies will split starts on a fairly even basis early in the season and a healthy competition will push the two netminders to play their best.

What actually happens, of course, is still anyone's guess. Peter Laviolette is a coach that often likes to ride the hot hand and he has also shown in the past that he's not afraid to alter his goaltending depth chart even in the playoffs.

Right now, I think Emery is the team's "1A" option (i.e., the more likely opening night starter and the one who will get at least a slight majority of starts in the early going). On the other hand, if Mason can build on his strong showing late last season and proves that he has turned his career around, it is not hard to imagine a scenario where he becomes the primary starter.

If the Flyers are to return to the playoffs in 2013-14, they will probably need one goalie or the other to become the undisputed starter for the stretch drive and postseason. It all starts with improved team defense but the goalies will have to do their part more consistently than Bryzgalov did.




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