Late in a close game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers, Flyers goaltender Steve Mason was hurt while making a save. Mason was laboring on the ice and spent several minutes trying to get the attention of the officials so that they would stop play. Once play was halted, the Philadelphia trainer came out to attend to Mason.
Steve Mason injury: Flyers goaltender shaken up in 3rd period
Mason may have been suffering from dehydration-induced cramps.
USA TODAY Sports
Backup goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov came on to the ice to stretch, but after getting some rest, Mason remained in net for Philadelphia.
The injury came in the midst of a furious Rangers push as New York looked to tie the game in the third period. The Rangers had been outshooting the Flyers 16-2 in the period when Mason was hurt.
After play resumed, some were speculating that Mason’s injury wasn’t as serious as it had appeared:
I believe Mason is just dehydrated, could've been cramping up. Been chugging gatorade during stoppages and just took some sort of supplement
— Frank Seravalli (@DNFlyers) April 17, 2013
Mason’s health is significant in part because earlier this very day, rumors were flying that the Philadelphia front office was considering using the amnesty clause in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to rid themselves of Bryzgalov’s massive contract, and that Mason’s play in the final games of the season would help them decide which way to go on this front. With the Rangers outshooting the Flyers 40-20 late in the third period, but leading thanks to their goalie, Mason was certainly putting on a show for management.
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