Flyers reveal Mason nursing lower-body injury, out vs. Capitals

By foxsports
Published

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Ron Hextall let the cat out of the bag in regard to the health status of Steve Mason, telling the team's website that the goaltender will miss Wednesday's game with a lower-body injury.

Coach Dave Hakstol told reporters that Mason's absence on Tuesday was due to the team having an "optional" practice. For his part, Mason was seen skating on Wednesday morning after missing two consecutive practices.

Via Courier Post:

"I don't think it's anything too serious. We're in a stretch where we have a little bit of time to take some rest. That's what we're doing. Hopefully come the end of the break here we'll be ready to go."

Michal Neuvirth, who is expected to start on Wednesday night against captain Alex Ovechkin and the NHL-leading Washington Capitals (35-8-3), is nursing an undisclosed injury after Monday's 3-2 setback to the Boston Bruins. Neuvirth was selected by the Capitals in the second round of the 2006 draft.

Also on Wednesday, Philadelphia (20-18-8) recalled veteran goaltender Jason LaBarbera from Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League on emergency conditions. 

LaBarbera has appeared in 12 NHL games over the last two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks. The 36-year-old has posted a 5-9-0 mark with a 2.80 goals-against average with the Phantoms.