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Flyers' Steve Mason injured in San Jose; Stolarz solid in relief

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Flyers goalie Steve Mason was injured in the first period and left Friday's 2-0 loss in San Jose at the start of the second period.

General manager Ron Hextall said Mason was "nicked up and we'll know more" on Saturday.

Mason injured his left hand in a collision with San Jose's Joe Thornton. Shortly thereafter, Wayne Simmonds went after Thornton but no penalties were called.

It appeared Thornton's stick accidentally hit Mason's hand.

"He's going through the crease and going after our goalie, and that's my job," Simmonds said. "I didn't think it was deliberate by any means, but it doesn't matter if it was deliberate."

Mason was replaced by rookie Anthony Stolarz, who was outstanding as he stopped 21 of 22 shots, many from in close.

"He made a lot of big stops, especially on their rushes," right winger Jake Voracek said.

"I thought he was excellent," coach Dave Hakstol said. "He was prepared coming in, and I thought he played very well for 40 minutes. He had some tough saves and he looked confident doing it."

Stolarz figures to start Sunday in Anaheim.

"I just want to go out and show I can play at this high level," the New Jersey native said.

In the first period, Mason made several difficult saves and kept the Flyers close, stopping  11 of 12 shots, including many from point-blank range.

San Jose, thanks to Patrick Marleau's power-play goal, took a 1-0 lead into the second period.

Stolarz and San Jose rookie goalie Aaron Dell had combined to play in eight NHL games before Friday.

Dell, who made 21 saves and recorded his first career shutout, played for Flyers coach Dave Hakstol at North Dakota.