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Flyers' Gudas ready to return; Mason struggling

Burly defenseman Radko Gudas is expected to return to the Flyers' lineup Thursday when they play in St. Louis. Gudas just finished serving a three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Ottawa's Mika Zibanejad.

Burly defenseman Radko Gudas is expected to return to the Flyers' lineup Thursday when they play in St. Louis.

Gudas just finished serving a three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Ottawa's Mika Zibanejad.

Coach Dave Hakstol said he wouldn't announce his lineup until Thursday morning.

"I've got an idea, but we'll talk about the lineup on game day," Hakstol said after Wednesday's optional practice in Voorhees. "Radko is ready to go."

Andrew MacDonald is expected to be replaced by Gudas.

Mason's struggles. Steve Mason's goals-against average is significantly higher than last season's (2.93 to 2.25), and his save percentage has dropped from .928 to .905.

"He's played good games, (but) there's  a couple of goals along the way I'm sure he would want back," Hakstol said.

Conversely, Michal Neuvirth continues to shine. Among goalies who have made at least 10 appearances, Neuvirth is second in the NHL in goals-against average (1.99) and save percentage (.937).

Mason blanked the Blues in the Flyers' visit to St. Louis last season, but the visitors dropped a 1-0 shootout decision. They also lost a 1-0 shootout in the previous season in St. Louis. Ray Emery was the Flyers' goalie in the earlier defeat.

Pronger honored. In honor of his Hall of Fame selection, the Blues will give their fans Chris Pronger bobbleheads on Thursday. Surprisingly, the bobblehead has Pronger with a smile instead of a snarl.

Breakaways. Vinny Lecavalier returned to practice after being given Tuesday off. ... The Flyers are 4-1-1 in their last six games.