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Flyers' Steve Mason named NHL's No. 1 star of the week

Steve Mason, who won four straight games last week and compiled a 1.71 goals-against average and .945 save percentage, has been recognized for his excellence.

The NHL named the Flyers' goalie its first star of the week on Monday.

Mason's surge has keyed the Flyers' five-game winning streak, putting them in a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

"He's stood on his head," defenseman Michael Del Zotto said.

In a conference call with reporters Monday, Mason said "as a whole, the team's on a roll right now and I'm a benefactor of that with the strong play in front of me."

Mason said the team is "playing a little bit tighter in the defensive zone as of late and making the goaltenders' reads that much more simple. Right now, I think there's a real comfort level with the guys in front of me."

Added Mason: "We're looking forward to keeping it moving. Winning five in a row is nice, and we'd like to keep making up ground in the standings."

Look for Mason to make his 11th start in the last 12 games Tuesday, when the Flyers host Florida.

Mason said being the No. 1 goalie has "absolutely" helped his game. "I don't think it's any goaltender's goal to play in a tandem."

Mason's workload has increased dramatically because Michal Neuvirth has been sidelined by a knee injury.

St. Louis right winger Vladimir Tarasenko (second star) and San Jose goalie Martin Jones (third star) were also honored by the NHL.