Blame Steve Mason all you want. The Philadelphia Flyers are standing by their embattled goalie.
Mason allowed a brutal goal Saturday night in Game 2 against the Washington Capitals, a 100-footer by Jason Chimera that may come to define the series. The Flyers are down 2-0 heading home, but all indications are that Mason will be in the crease Monday night.
The goal, if you missed it:
"That's not something we've talked about," head coach Dave Hakstol said Sunday when asked if Michal Neuvirth may get the Game 3 nod, according to NHL.com's Mike Morreale.
Feeling here is PHI players speaking this morning would want to see Mason back in net to help pick him up. "He's the reason we're ever here"
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) April 17, 2016
Mason was a beast down the stretch for the Flyers, ensuring postseason hockey would be played in Philadelphia. But he may be fatigued, as evidenced by his .889 save percentage and 3.10 goals-against average through two playoff games.
Problem is, Mason doesn't have much room for error, not against the Capitals, who have Braden Holtby in their crease. Holtby's stopped 60 of 61 shots through two games. He lives for this time of year.
