Flyers' Mason out 2-3 weeks
General manager Ron Hextall released a brief statement on Tuesday with those details, though referring to it only as a "lower-body" injury.
Mason, 26, left Sunday's game in Washington halfway through, flexing his right knee as he was carried to the locker room. He had trouble even stepping off the ice onto the bench.
According to Rogers Sportsnet, Mason underwent an arthroscopic knee scope on Tuesday morning. It was reportedly Mason's third career scope performed on that particular knee. Though the procedure is minimally invasive - with today's technology, it requires just a small incision - one of the main concerns now is about the scar tissue already built-up in Mason's knee.
Usually, a scope is performed to clean out any fluid or loose bodies in the knee, or to clip and remove torn cartilage. One likely scenario is that a small cartilage tear caused Mason's knee to lock up on Sunday in Washington.
However, what continues to be most worrisome is the timeline issued for Mason's return to the ice. Yes, three weeks is a normal time to be back after a routine knee scope that did not involve any reconstruction or noted significant damage.
The hope, of course, would be that this procedure is the one to finally get Mason back on track. Professional athletes are proud and competitive people. They're being paid millions of dollars to win games. But the Flyers would be wise to take their time and abundantly err on the side of caution.
Mason could use the benefit of time and rest. This is his third injury in six weeks. He has missed 10 games - and already returned to the net for a game without even an official practice after sitting for 17 days.
The Flyers are nine points back of a playoff spot. Since Jan. 1, they've posted a 9-5-1 record and actually lost ground (one point) in the standings. Their playoff hopes are beyond slim.
Mason, who has the NHL's best even-strength save percentage since November, has been an absolute force in net for the Flyers. He is young, relatively inexpensive on the salary cap, and one of the few core pillars the Flyers must absolutely build around.
Knee injuries have derailed many a career. The Flyers can ill-afford to have him come back too quickly, inflict further damage an already wonky knee, and jeopardize the future just to play in a season which was lost in December.
On Twitter: @frank_seravalli