Best chance for Flyer playoff run: a healthy Mason

If the Flyers have any chance to make a nearly impossible climb to a playoff spot, they need Steve Mason to be his healthy, reliable self.

That's what made the 26-year-old goalie's return so encouraging Tuesday.

Mason, who missed the previous six games with an injured right knee, relieved a shaky Ray Emery and stopped 22 of 23 shots - and was successful on all three shootout attempts - as the Flyers overcame a two-goal deficit and outlasted Arizona, 4-3, at the Wells Fargo Center.

For the season, Mason has just a 9-12-6 record, but it belies the way he has played. Witness his 2.41 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.

And, so, yes, if the Flyers are going to meet Jake Voracek's seemingly dreamy goal - before Tuesday, he said the team wanted (gulp) 25 wins in its last 34 games - they need Mason to play a majority of the games.

"He played great for us, and it's nice to have him back," said offensive-minded defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who scored his fourth goal Tuesday with a well-placed left-circle shot and fired four shots on goal. "Obviously, he's the guy who carries a bulk of the mail."

The Flyers, who play host to dangerous Winnipeg on Thursday, outshot the Coyotes, 42-27.

"We did a good job of carrying the play and not putting too much pressure on him," Del Zotto said after practice Wednesday in Voorhees. "But when we needed him there, he made some huge saves for us."

Mason said his knee had no ill effects from Tuesday's action. He played even though he hadn't had a full practice since he was injured against Boston on Jan. 10.

"It was nice to get back in the swing of things and feel part of things again," said Mason, whose .921 save percentage is fourth among NHL goalies who have played in at least half of their team's games. "I feel good today, as well. I felt great waking up this morning, which is a great sign. We're just glad this is probably behind us now, and looking forward to having a strong stretch run."

As for Voracek's aspirations - 25 wins in 34 games - coach Craig Berube smiled.

"It ought to be a good number, for sure," he said.

It's a realistic goal, Del Zotto claimed.

"Absolutely," he said. "If we work hard, we can win every single night in here. We like the way we're playing, we just have to stay consistent. That's been our biggest issue all season, playing one good game and then not being able to pair that with another."

On Thursday, the Flyers will play a Winnipeg team that has an eye-opening road record (14-6-5), and the hosts will try to match their longest winning streak of the season: three games.

@BroadStBull