Flyers' Mason looking to get into a groove

Flyers goalie Steve Mason understands it isn't his choice, but he's hoping to be able to play in a number of games consecutively, which he feels is the best way to get into a good groove.

"That is something I want," he said following Wednesday's optional practice at Voorhees. "It is something you saw at the end of last season, you come to the rink and know you are the guy, you just get into a rhythm when you are not thinking about playing."

While he was playing well down the stretch, Mason struggled in the playoffs and was benched after allowing 12 goals in his first three postseason starts against the Washington Capitals.

This  year Mason was pulled after allowing three goals in the first period in the Flyers 5-4 loss to visiting Pittsburgh on Oct. 29.

Michal Neuvirth started the next four games before Mason returned to action in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings at the Wells Fargo Center.

Mason played one of his best games this year, making a season-high 33 saves.

"It was a quality game but I think you take everything in stride and you can't get too high off one game, he said. "Was it something to build off, yes, but one game isn't good enough to make a season."

Still, he hopes it was enough to give him the start when the Flyers resume action Friday in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.