Steve Mason is glad about increased workload

With Michal Neuvirth sidelined for at least a month, most of the Flyers' upcoming starts are expected to go to Steve Mason.

The 28-year-old goaltender relishes the workload.

"You never want to see anyone go down with an injury, but it's part of sports, it happens," Mason said Tuesday before a 3-2 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators. "It creates opportunities for other people."

In the first 16 games, Mason made eight starts. His workload is about to increase.

"It simplifies things," he said of the goalie rotation without Neuvirth. "As much as you try not to think about outside factors when Neuvy's around, you do. Unfortunately. You want to play every single game. . . . So things are now clarified a little bit, but at the end of the day, you have to play well still."

With Neuvirth sidelined by a knee injury late last season, Mason was at his best as he played 12 straight games, compiling a .926 save percentage in that stretch and sparking the Flyers to a playoff berth.

"When you play a lot of hockey, games just flow into one another," Mason said.

Mason took a 3-5-2 record, a 3.41 goals-against average, and an .880 save percentage into Tuesday, but he played well Saturday in a two-period relief stint, a 3-2 win over Minnesota.

Promising rookie Anthony Stolarz is Mason's backup.

Coach Dave Hakstol said that Mason's workload will "certainly be heavier," but added that Stolarz is "not going to be here just sitting in the background."

Wayne Simmonds has been used on the penalty kill this season because he has "all the elements" needed to do the job, Hakstol said.

"He's an explosive skater, he's got a good stick, he's a tenacious guy that's willing to block shots," Hakstol said.