Michal Neuvirth

Flyers' Hakstol on goaltender controversy: '(Mason) is our No. 1'

Published Nov. 9, 2015 3:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

Philadelphia Flyers coach Dave Hakstol did his best to end any talk of a goaltender controversy between Steve Mason and backup Michal Neuvirth.

"Mase is our No. 1 (goaltender)," Hakstol told reporters on Monday. "We've said that all the way along and feel that way. I think both guys are ready, and I think that's part of their job to be ready when they go in. You've got to get work and be in a rhythm, so there's a balance there."

The goaltenders don't have much balance with their statistics this season. After all, Mason's 2-4-2 mark with a 3.34 goals-against average pales in comparison to Neuvirth's 3-2-1 record with a league-best three shutouts and 1.81 GAA.

Neuvirth has been downright dominant in his last six starts, stopping 195-of-203 shots for a whopping .961 save percentage. The 27-year-old owns a .945 save percentage on the season, tying him with Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues for top honors in the league.

"No, it's not making me sweat, but it's good though," Mason said of Neuvirth's solid play. "It's good for him personally and good for the team."

Signed to a two-year, $3.25 million deal on July 1, Neuvirth sidestepped any talk about a goaltender controversy by telling reporters on Monday that he's focus on improving his game.

After stopping all 28 shots he faced in Philadelphia's 3-0 triumph over Winnipeg on Saturday, Neuvirth is expected to get the nod for Tuesday's home tilt versus the Colorado Avalanche.

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Michal Neuvirth

Philadelphia Flyers

National Hockey League