Flyers' Mason injured, leaves game vs. Bruins

Forgive the Flyers if their season passed in front of their collective eyes Saturday.

Goalie Steve Mason, one of the team's top players, had to leave the game against Boston because of an apparent injury to his right knee.

Mason has been bothered by back and leg injuries recently. He collapsed to the ice on his back and left the game with 12:53 left in the first period Saturday and was replaced by Ray Emery.

The 6-foot-4 goalie made a routine right pad save on Craig Cunningham's long shot, then fell to the ice. He then tried to push off on his right leg, but was unable to do so.

The Flyers would only say that he had a lower-body injury, and that he would be re-evaluated on Sunday.

Look for Rob Zepp to be recalled from the AHL Phantoms.

Mason said he "tweaked" an injury _ believed to be his right knee _ in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over Washington. He said he felt better at practice Friday.

Entering Saturday, Mason was 8-12-6 with a 2.48 GAA and .919 save percentage; his .933 ave percentage in even-strength situations was fourth in the NHL among starting goalies.

Boston has a 1-0 lead after one on a power-play goal. The Flyers' have the NHL's worst-ranked PK.