Mason stays the course in goal

Flyers goalie Steve Mason has an even demeanor and a short memory and both were needed following Sunday's 5-4 shootout loss at Washington to the Capitals.

It was a game in which the Flyers squandered 4-1 lead in the final nine minutes of regulation.

The Flyers and Mason came back strong during Tuesday's 5-2 win over the same Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center.

Mason's message was simple – stay the course.

"Game like that happen and you can't push the panic button because of one game and lose confidence in yourself," Mason said after Wednesday's optional practice at the Skate Zone.

So after Sunday, Mason gave himself a brief pep talk.

"I told myself to put it behind you as quick as possible and get ready for the next one and that is what I tried to do," he said.

Mason has enjoyed an outstanding season. He is 12-9-4 with a 2.34 goals against average and a .924 save percentage.

Now comes a game on Thursday that Mason has been looking forward to when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers then visit Columbus on Saturday.

Mason was traded on April 3 from Columbus to the Flyers and his career has enjoyed a rebirth.

In seven late-season games last year, he had a 1.90 goals against average and .944 save percentage.

And the stellar play has continued this season.

While coach Craig Berube hasn't announced his goalie, it would be a surprise if Mason isn't facing his ex-team. And whether its Thursday or Saturday, Mason will be facing his former team soon enough.

One thing for sure is that Mason won't treat this as a grudge matchup. He has no animosity toward his former team that he broke into the NHL with.

"I have nothing to prove to that organization," he said. "They gave me this chance to come here and a fresh opportunity and there are no hard feelings whatsoever."