Flyers activate goalie Michal Neuvirth from injured reserve
Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday, and he said he was ready to return after being sidelined for 22 games since November with an injured left knee.
Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday, and he said he was ready to return after being sidelined for 22 games since November with an injured left knee.
"I've been asked how I feel, and I was practicing pretty well last week," Neuvirth said Tuesday. "I felt pretty good today, and I feel ready."
Neuvirth's return is welcomed by goalie Steve Mason, who started 21 of the last 23 games. Mason has a .916 save percentage since Neuvirth's injury on Nov. 12. Anthony Stolarz, who has started just twice since being promoted from the Phantoms, was returned to Lehigh Valley.
Neuvirth has a 3.54 goals-against average in nine games this season. It is more than a goal per game than the average he compiled last season. He started the season opener after having a career year last season.
Neuvirth returned to practice last week but was limited. The 28-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the season's second half could provide some key evaluation. Mason is also set to become a free agent. The Flyers will likely re-sign one and pair him with Stolarz.
"It was a great test for me to practice with the team for eight days," Neuvirth said. "I had the majority of the time today, and it was another test that I passed. My body feels good."
Looking for momentum
Just three weeks ago the Flyers were hockey's hottest team as they rode a 10-game winning streak. They limp into Wednesday's game as losers of four in a row and six of their last seven.
The Flyers fired 55 shots on Sunday but came away with just three goals in a shootout loss to Anaheim. It was the end of a winless four-game road trip.
Coach Dave Hakstol said the loss to Anaheim was an "outstanding performance" and "as dominant a game as we've had." Jake Voracek said the game was one of the team's best all season.
"It's up and down during the season," Voracek said. "You just have to make sure that you grind out some points."
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