Philadelphia Flyers G Michal Neuvirth Fighting for WC Spot

It’s reportedly open competition between Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth and Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek for the Czech number one job

Every Philadelphia Flyers player is finding them in differing places in the pecking order of World Cup rosters. With the official World Cup games 10 days away, there’s not much time to nab a spot.

We’ve already seen Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier get knocked down 4th line duties at the start for Team Canada and Team North America, respectively. Meanwhile, Ghost is looking at second pair and top power play duties for Team North America.

Perhaps the most relevant team for Philadelphia Flyers fans is the Czech Republic. For the Czech Republic Team, Jakub Voracek should be an essential player, but unfortunately an injury forced Radko Gudas to withdraw. It’s goalie Michal Neuvirth whose status could go either way.

Reports are that the number one goalie job is up for grabs between Neuvirth and Petr Mrazek. It’ll be a close call based on the preceding NHL season.

Neuvirth had some injury issues, but spent a good portion of the season near the NHL league leaders in save percentage. Furthermore, Neuvirth was simply spectacular in limited playoff action, going 2-1 with a .981 save percentage.

Mrazek had a great season as well. Had NHL awards been given out at mid-season, Mrazek may have won the Vezina. He cooled off a bit in the second half, however.

The plan is for Neuvirth and Mrazek to split pre-tournament games. The two friendly competitors should know in about a week who has won the job for the games that count.