I'm going to say it again:

If the Flyers make the playoffs, Mason gets the Vez
- Giroux_Is_God

All true -- glad to see Jeff Reese getting credit here, as well. He really has done good things with goaltenders for the Flyers.

It's way too soon to think about Game 50, 60, 70...but even with regression, if Mason can just bring it home at a .915 for the season....this thing has a good chance of getting out of the ditch, and then some.
- AllInForFlyers

I believe, not certain, that they can't re-sign Mason before January with the new CBA....I expect him to get a new deal soon after that. It's hard to argue he hasn't earned it

I'm going to say it again:

If the Flyers make the playoffs, Mason gets the Vez
- Giroux_Is_God

Let's hope on all counts.

A young, 6-4, wrong-handed goalie who is athletic...I don't believe in jinxes, that stuff. I truly don't think what we're seeing is a fluke. Even regression means we'd be getting above-average goaltending, at this rate.

Truthfully, I think it's more likely that that the Flyers' defense actually gets better and we have a stable goaltending position for years to come.
- AllInForFlyers

Trade for Buf, pay him in cheeseburgers and we're set.

I believe, not certain, that they can't re-sign Mason before January with the new CBA....I expect him to get a new deal soon after that. It's hard to argue he hasn't earned it
- Jsaquella

I certainly understand that people will get freaked out about term, and yeah, there are certainly numbers/years that would make me flinch...but at the same time, if Mason does this for the full season, you give him four years or so and move on to new business.

- Yosimar89

Ben Bishop has been scintillating also.

I certainly understand that people will get freaked out about term, and yeah, there are certainly numbers/years that would make me flinch...but at the same time, if Mason does this for the full season, you give him four years or so and move on to new business.
- AllInForFlyers

Right now, I'd go 3 years, with a cap hit between $3-$4mm. Ideal would be 3 years for $9.75mm or so, around $3.25mm per.

Right now, I'd go 3 years, with a cap hit between $3-$4mm. Ideal would be 3 years for $9.75mm or so, around $3.25mm per.
- Jsaquella

That would be ideal, and hopefully, he goes for that. I could see 4x4, though -- that gets him to his age 30 season, burns a couple of those UFA years.

(Edit: That is, of course, if he does continue with strong play throughout the season, brings it in at .915-.918, or so.)

That would be ideal, and hopefully, he goes for that. I could see 4x4, though -- that gets him to his age 30 season, burns a couple of those UFA years.
- AllInForFlyers

Yeah, certainly possible. It's the high end of where I'd be comfy, but still not a bad deal for him based on his play as a Flyer.

Yeah, certainly possible. It's the high end of where I'd be comfy, but still not a bad deal for him based on his play as a Flyer.
- Jsaquella

Plus, at the end of four years...Anthony Stolarz could conceivably have played two seasons in Allentown, then two seasons as the backup, if we don't like what we get out of Mason. If Stolarz develops because we're patient...that would be us doing something we haven't done for a long time: Had goaltending break our way, two times in a row, with Stolarz under contractual control for five years, if he were to get the job done.

Mason playing well...if he does that for years to come, it could truly be the start of a new era for this franchise.

Plus, at the end of four years...Anthony Stolarz could conceivably have played two seasons in Allentown, then two seasons as the backup, if we don't like what we get out of Mason. If Stolarz develops because we're patient...that would be us doing something we haven't done for a long time: Had goaltending break our way, two times in a row, with Stolarz under contractual control for five years, if he were to get the job done.

Mason playing well...if he does that for years to come, it could truly be the start of a new era for this franchise.
- AllInForFlyers

Yeah, it does give time to Stolarz, not to mention Cal Heeter, who has been lights out for the Phantoms

Yeah, it does give time to Stolarz, not to mention Cal Heeter, who has been lights out for the Phantoms
- Jsaquella

Exactly -- it probably should've been Bob, but Laviolette jacked that up. But we really needed a younger guy to come in and take this thing by the horns, give us consistently above-average goaltending through the age 25 years to their 30s.

Exactly -- it probably should've been Bob, but Laviolette jacked that up. But we really needed a younger guy to come in and take this thing by the horns, give us consistently above-average goaltending through the age 25 years to their 30s.
- AllInForFlyers

Yeah, it'd be nice to just have a guy stick around for four or five years and play well.

Even guys that did well only lasted a couple few years. Stability would be awesome.

Ugh..that might be in =(

- opeth_pa

Impossible to see, Grossmannn's giant dong is in the way
- feelingkettle

back from game, reviewing game thread...post of thread so far, lolz

Just got back from the game. We looked pretty good overall, definitely weak in some spots. We almost gave up the game, but some outstanding goaltending by Grossmann kept us in it by a thread. Has he won the Vezina yet? Also, there were a lot of anti-Canadian feelings in the stands. A guy near me got kicked out (I think) after he tried to pick a fight with a group of Senators fans. I heard some "Canada sucks" chants near me, and when the calls weren't going our way I heard a lot of "The refs must be Canadian". What's up with that?

Just got back from the game. We looked pretty good overall, definitely weak in some spots. We almost gave up the game, but some outstanding goaltending by Grossmann kept us in it by a thread. Has he won the Vezina yet? Also, there were a lot of anti-Canadian feelings in the stands. A guy near me got kicked out (I think) after he tried to pick a fight with a group of Senators fans. I heard some "Canada sucks" chants near me, and when the calls weren't going our way I heard a lot of "The refs must be Canadian". What's up with that?
- JAKEw1234

THE AUTHOR OF THIS POST WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE ACTIONS OF OTHERS; others' actions this evening do NOT reflect the views of the general public, nor are these views acceptable to most sections of the general public. The author would also like to remind his readers that some of these thoughts may not be sober thoughts. Thank you for your time and, again, the author of this post emphasizes that the actions indicated are not demonstrative of the general thoughts and feelings of the public.

Well, from what I have read, there were some very serious communication issues between him and the coaching staff. That led to trust issues and it went south from there.

He also had a lot of success at a young age, and had a bit of a chip on his shoulder, which didn't help the coaching aspect. There were rumors that he wasn't willing to d the extra work necessary to regain that level.

Since he's been a Flyer those issues haven't been evident at all. Bill and other have noted the extra work before practice and the relationship between him and Reese seems to be fantastic. I think Emery also helps, because he and Mason have a good relationship and push each other as friends to be better.

It's always been said that Mason's issues fell between two things-his ears. Now he's got his head on straight and he's motivated to shut up the nay sayers.
- Jsaquella

Yes, he (Mason) seems very motivated...can we keep him on 1 year deals?

Yes, he seems very motivated...can we keep him on 1 year deals?
- exlund

Yeah, he'll be the next Lindros

Franking right boys!! That non goal was a huge break, glad to see the Flyers pounce on it. Team is starting to look really good, would like to see less penalties thats for sure. Little by little they can chip away at the standings as well. And yeah like everyone else can see, Mason is playing awesome the type of goalie that can steal games.

Plus, at the end of four years...Anthony Stolarz could conceivably have played two seasons in Allentown, then two seasons as the backup, if we don't like what we get out of Mason. If Stolarz develops because we're patient...that would be us doing something we haven't done for a long time: Had goaltending break our way, two times in a row, with Stolarz under contractual control for five years, if he were to get the job done.

Mason playing well...if he does that for years to come, it could truly be the start of a new era for this franchise.
- AllInForFlyers

Bryz backing up tonight. was hoping to see bryz vs Bob
- nastyflyergirl

bob got pulled tonight after giving up 4 goals

Yeah. I'm very impressed by Mason. I'm generally slow to build faith in goalies(I think I was the only fan in Philly at times that didn't think Niittymaki should be the starter), but he's winning me over.

The mental approach has been stellar. He's really locked in and even when he has looked a bit shaky or allows a goal that he might want back(as much as I hate that term) he rebounds and puts it behind him.

Granted, those times he's looked shaky have been few and far between as a Flyer, and I honestly can only think of one soft goal all season long-the Harrison goal in the Carolina game.
- Jsaquella

Me too.

Ben Bishop has been scintillating also.
- Giroux_Is_God

Josh harding has my early vote, after mase that is.

Still not watching the games live and they're still winning.
- LJF

You cracked the code...

This one was closer than the score would indicate...the Sens had their chances at times, but Mason stood TALL. The no-goal on the Grossmann save was a big momentum changer but also, things like Mason's huge save on the Turris penalty shot, in defending Timonen's penalty (which was taken to try and defend a breakaway), can really add confidence and build trust. The team didn't allow much of anything after that as the game wound down. I am again encouraged by the continued strong play of Timonen and Coburn...these guys have had a marked improvement to key this string of good, winning hockey ("this string of winning hockey" damn it feels good to say that) and Timonen is showing he still has some left in the tank...Grossmann had his usual solid performance and of course had "the save". Streit seemed off all night, but did make a couple of good plays. Schenn struggled at times but did try and represent with the fight, a few of his usual hits and even some shots on goal. Gusty was so-so. Not everyone will awaken from the slumpy slumber at once...but a rising tide lifts all boats.

On offense the PP was impressive...the first unit works that star pattern pretty good...that play they use with with G to Simmer off the left post draws the d and goalie in and the guy in the lower right circle is open with an open net. I had a feeling after seeing G pissed off at his penalty that he was fired up and going to get going on the ice...it was good to see that kind of leadership. Simmer continued his uptempo, confident play and it was great to see him get rewarded...the dude's money in the low slot..that line is building some nice chemistry. It was great to see Couturier get one in..I guess it had to be one of those to bust his cherry...let's hope more is to follow...Downie is doing a good job of getting pucks and distributing, Couturier would do well to get into the right spots and start pulling the trigger without hesitation, but I do see some chemistry there...top line looked ok, Jake had his motor going and that play to G was A+.... but Hartnell seemed to have his "C" game going. Hall was great on draws and PK...love guys that add value like that at an affordable cost.

I'm not on the "contender" bandwagon just yet, but if the trend continues in a positive direction, it would be hard not to start thinking about the possibilities.