Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Flyers Grit Out 4-1 Win over Isles; Gain Ground in Wildcard Chase

Neuvirth would have shut them out.

Mason was a beast tonight. Confident, aggressive, and focused. Couple difficult rebounds, but most were off shots through traffic or that got deflected. Went full on beast mode.

I do think that, despite Mason's strong game, if they're planning to get Stolarz into a game, tomorrow night's game is a logical one.

-back to back
-Jackets playing a load of AHL call ups, whom Stolarz has seen before
-Mason got some rough treatment tonight, especially the hit by Martin
-built in days off after Columbus and between Colorado & Arizona

Of course, after a night like this, a lot of guys want to ride the horse-and there's a good argument for that, despite Mason's past record in B2Bs

Come on Isles...

My best guess is the Flyers will need to finish the year with at least 7 more wins to make it in the playoffs, unless Detroit, NY Islanders or Pittsburgh just tank.

vs Columbus (Must Win)
vs Colorado
vs Arizona (Must Win)
vs Winnipeg (Must Win)
vs Washington
vs Ottawa
vs Pittsburgh
vs Detroit
vs Toronto (Must Win)
vs Pittsburgh
vs NY Islanders

I think the season is determined whether the Flyers take the 2 Pittsburgh and Detroit games. Going to be tough.

My best guess is the Flyers will need to finish the year with at least 7 more wins to make it in the playoffs, unless Detroit, NY Islanders or Pittsburgh just tank.

vs Columbus (Must Win)
vs Colorado
vs Arizona (Must Win)
vs Winnipeg (Must Win)
vs Washington
vs Ottawa
vs Pittsburgh
vs Detroit
vs Toronto (Must Win)
vs Pittsburgh
vs NY Islanders

I think the season is determined whether the Flyers take the 2 Pittsburgh and Detroit games. Going to be tough.
- Glak18

Pretty much agree. Those head to heads have always loomed large, because they are 4 point games. Add in the other remaining Isles game and it's in the Flyers hands to not only get points for themselves, but to directly deny points to the teams they are battling.

i'm fine with a gentlemen agreement to split the last two in overtime

i'm fine with a gentlemen agreement to split the last two in overtime
- stayinthefnnet

As long as we make it in, I will not be picky about who isn't.

i'm fine with a gentlemen agreement to split the last two in overtime
- stayinthefnnet

Me too. That way, you guys get in and surrender a 1st rounder for Kessel while the Flyers strengthen their chances to get in as well

Me too. That way, you guys get in and surrender a 1st rounder for Kessel while the Flyers strengthen their chances to get in as well
- Giroux_Is_God

eh. if malkin isnt back in time, i dont like their chances of making too much noise. but you never know. get in a round and get lucky, then who knows? either way. i cant root for a team i enjoy to actively NOT do well. like you guys. just want a seat at the table.

(frank) toronto. they can have the pick.

Mason was a beast tonight. Confident, aggressive, and focused. Couple difficult rebounds, but most were off shots through traffic or that got deflected. Went full on beast mode.

I do think that, despite Mason's strong game, if they're planning to get Stolarz into a game, tomorrow night's game is a logical one.

-back to back
-Jackets playing a load of AHL call ups, whom Stolarz has seen before
-Mason got some rough treatment tonight, especially the hit by Martin
-built in days off after Columbus and between Colorado & Arizona

Of course, after a night like this, a lot of guys want to ride the horse-and there's a good argument for that, despite Mason's past record in B2Bs
- Jsaquella

They probably should give Stolarz a look next game against the jackets to see when they may be able to give Mason a rest again in the future. With the grueling schedule I'd imagine Mase will need to rest on some of these upcoming back to backs. best to see now what stolarz can do at this level, and start to plan accordingly.

Said it earlier, but yeah, I would play Stolarz for pretty much the exact reasons JSaq listed above

There is never going to be a perfect time to start him, but at some point, you have to bite the bullet and do it. Not saying that Mason can't play the b2b, but the reality is that Stolarz needs to play at least one game

If not Columbus, then who? There are no perfect scenarios

mason has only played like 40 something games. he should have plenty in the tank for this 10 game stretch. he's played really well and i'm sure is feeling confident. i would bet he wants to play tomorrow.

would be a shame to throw away 2 points on a poop columbus team if they go with stolarz and he craps the bed. i get he logic in giving him a chance now, but i'm not certain. we'll soon find out.

keep it going, boys.

Said it earlier, but yeah, I would play Stolarz for pretty much the exact reasons JSaq listed above

There is never going to be a perfect time to start him, but at some point, you have to bite the bullet and do it. Not saying that Mason can't play the b2b, but the reality is that Stolarz needs to play at least one game

If not Columbus, then who? There are no perfect scenarios
- AllInForFlyers

Im all about starting him. Right now isn't the time. We are in a battle for the playoffs and we need all hands on deck. Stoltz can have his shot if we fall out of position or wrap up a spot in the next 10 games. Or he just waits till next year. Hes still young and needs more conditioning in minors imo

good morning everybody. I know this isn't the time but I figure Id throw this out there. It appears that the 25 percent of your cap space must be exposed for expansion draft next spring/summer. So If im correct we can have umberger 4.6 mil, streit 5 mil,mcdud 5 mil,schultz 2.3 mil that we can expose to get us to that threshold?

mason has only played like 40 something games. he should have plenty in the tank for this 10 game stretch. he's played really well and i'm sure is feeling confident. i would bet he wants to play tomorrow.

would be a shame to throw away 2 points on a poop columbus team if they go with stolarz and he craps the bed. i get he logic in giving him a chance now, but i'm not certain. we'll soon find out.

keep it going, boys.
- hammarby31

I'm fine with either choice, TBH. Hakstol has done a great job, and if he feels he wants to go Mason, I won't argue it. There's understandable logic either way

good morning everybody. I know this isn't the time but I figure Id throw this out there. It appears that the 25 percent of your cap space must be exposed for expansion draft next spring/summer. So If im correct we can have umberger 4.6 mil, streit 5 mil,mcdud 5 mil,schultz 2.3 mil that we can expose to get us to that threshold?
- jmdodgeser4

Possibly. They may make expiring deals exempt, which eliminates all but AMac

Did anyone else notice towards the end of the game that it almost seemed the players on ice were trying their damndest to get G the puck for the empty net shot/goal?
I know guys will do that when a player has 2 and is looking for the hatty, but to me, thats the kind of support and growth that Mason was talking about last week.
Here's hoping that one gimme gets G rolling in the only part of his game that seems to have stalled