NEUVIRTH OUT THREE WEEKS WITH LOWER-BODY INJURY
One day after Michal Neuvirth missed a scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Flyers general manager Ron Hextall revealed that Neuvirth will miss three weeks with a lower-body injury. The team has recalled Anthony Stolarz from the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Barring an ahead-of-schedule return, Neuvirth will miss the rest of the regular season. With 12 games left over 21 days, including four sets of back-to-back games and a gauntlet of four games in five days to close out the schedule, it may be tough for Steve Mason to play every remaining game.
With the Flyers three points out of the final wildcard spot but still in control of their own destiny with two games in hand and a head-to-head road game against the Detroit Red Wings (April 6), every game is a virtual must-win. If Stolarz is to receive a start or two, possible games to get him playing time include Tuesday's game in Columbus, Saturday's game in Arizona, the March 28 against Winnipeg, April 2 against Ottawa and April 7 against Toronto.
The Flyers could also try to acquire a veteran goalie, who would not be eligible for postseason play should the Flyers qualify for the playoffs. The NHL trade deadline is actually a playoff eligibility deadline -- not a roster move deadline. It seems more likely, however, that Mason gets about 10 of the final 12 games and the Flyers roll the dice on Stolarz to hold the fort in a spot start or two.
In 31 games played this season, Neuvirth has a posted 17-8-4 record, 2.28 goals against average, .925 save percentage and three shutouts. In 42 AHL games with Lehigh Valley this season, Stolarz has posted a 19-15-7 with a 2.59 GAA and a .916 save percentage.
SUPPORT FOR COURTNEY
Courtney Druce, the 25-year-old daughter of former Flyers forward John Druce and ex-wife Chantel, has endured more hardship in her short life than any human being ever should experience. A four-time cancer survivor over the span of 10 years, she is now under hospice care and, sadly, is losing her battle this time.
At the ages of 15, 18 and 20, Courtney Druce was diagnosed with leukemia. She has endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, two heart failures and two bone marrow transplants. At age 25, she learned she has a rare form of cervical cancer.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Courtney will her many expenses that have piled up. For more information, click here.
2016 Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp Registration
Registration is now open for the 2nd annual Flyers Alumni Fantasy Camp (Aug. 19 -22) in Atlantic City. The Alumni have assembled an excellent group of instructor/coaches this year, including Hockey Hall of Famers Bernie Parent and Mark Howe, along with the likes of Danny Briere and Flyers assistant coach Ian Laperriere.
For more information, click here.