Ray Emery rejoins Flyers, presumably to beat up Holtby
When Michal Neuvirth suffered a tear in his left knee on March 16, the Philadelphia Flyers’ playoff chase was placed in the catching gloves of Steve Mason and rookie Anthony Stolarz, who had yet to appear in the NHL.
So, basically, Steve Mason.
To his credit, Mason has excelled in his last five games, with a .942 save percentage and a 1.76 GAA. But the Flyers’ schedule isn’t exactly built for one goalie the rest of the way.
“We’ve got three back-to-backs coming, we got 12 days left in the season. There’s a lot of hockey left to be played,” said coach Dave Hakstol, who added that Mason didn’t seem fatigued.
But what if Mason needs a breather in one of these back-to-backs? Do they turn to Stolarz? Not necessarily. The Flyers announced on Tuesday that Ray Emery – yes, Ray Emery – will join the team on a tryout basis starting on Wednesday.
Emery, 33, last appeared in an NHL game on April 9, 2015, giving up two goals in a Flyers’ loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He was on a pro tryout contract with the Toronto Marlies this season until he signed with Adler Manheim in the German hockey league. He played seven regular-season games and one playoff game for them.
Four reactions:
1. Is it possible Emery gets a start down the stretch? Who knows? He’s a proven commodity for management, which is probably why he’s getting a look, but Hakstol has no connection to him or his time in Philly. Is Ray Emery a safer play in one of these back-to-backs than Stolarz?
2. WHERE THE %@$!%$# IS BRYZGALOV?!
3. Emery wouldn’t be eligible for the playoffs if in fact he signs with the Flyers.
4. The Flyers face the Washington Capitals on Wednesday. Just saying:
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
