Breaking Down The Net, Part 3

22. Speak of the devil, look who it is, Steve Mason himself. Philly has a problem in net this season, and the trade for Mason last year at the deadline was not the answer. And neither was the signing of Ray Emery in the offseason. On the bright side, Mason did play when he was given the chance in Philly last season, and Emery put up some outstanding numbers, but Emery was also playing behind the best team in the NHL last season.

Mason and Emery are more than likely going to split time pretty evenly, so we’ll start with Mason, who saw ice time in 7 games last season with the Flyers. he posted a record of 4-2-0, with a save percentage of .944%, and a goals against average of 1.90. Not too shabby, and much better for the amount of money he’s being paid compared to Ilya Bryzgalov. Don’t get your hopes up just yet Flyers fans, that’s a pretty small sample size, and we have a full 82 game season coming up this year. Just cross your fingers the 3.39, .895%, Steve Mason doesn’t emerge.

Emery played well last season, and Philly is hoping he might be the savior they need when and if Mason plummets back to the depths of goalie hell. Emery spent the season in Chicago and posted a record of 17-1-0. No that isn’t a typo. Ray. Emery. Posted. 17 wins and ONE loss. He held down the net well, putting up a goals against average of 1.94 and a save percentage of .922. Pretty impressive right? Not quite, I’ll be impressed if his numbers don’t drop to 2.40 and .915 this season.