Flyers goalie Ray Emery hurt; Stolarz is called up

RALEIGH, N.C. _ As the Flyers continue their spirited playoff run Tuesday in Carolina, they will only have their third-and fourth-string goalies available for their matchup with the Hurricanes.

Ray Emery suffered an undisclosed lower-body injury Monday at practice in Voorhees, forcing the Flyers to recall Anthony Stolarz from the AHL Phantoms.

That means Rob Zepp, 33, who is in his first NHL season, will make his third straight start Tuesday, and Stolarz will be his backup.

General manager Ron Hextall, whose team is four points out of a playoff spot, said Emery had been bothered by a nagging injury before Monday, and that he would probably be sidelined a "few days."

Zepp is expected to face veteran Cam Ward, who would become the fourth active goalie to play in his 500th career game.

Steve Mason, making a comeback from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, hasn't practiced yet with the team, and is not ready. Mason made the trip, and there is a slight chance he can play Thursday in Toronto.

Mason will skate Tuesday morning "and we'll see where he's at and go from there," Hextall said.

Hextall said it is more likely that Mason returns Saturday night against the visiting New York Rangers. Defenseman Kimmo Timonen (blood clots) may also return in that game.

The Flyers (26-23-11) and Hurricanes (21-30-7) have split a pair of games this season, and they will meet five times.

- Sam Carchidi