No easy fix to Flyers' goaltending debacle
The Philadelphia Flyers have a problem between the pipes. Well, two actually.
The offensive end isn't seeing the same problems, though, as the Flyers are scoring the NHL's third most goals, but they're countering that by allowing the most. This is not a recipe for success.
Through 15 games, the team is giving up an average of 3.73 goals per game and, while the whole team can shoulder some of that blame - especially given they've allowed the most shots per game - the goalies aren't helping.
Netminders Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth have split starts this season, but neither has necessarily been better than the other:
| Goalie | Starts | GAA | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuvirth | 7 | 3.56 | .859 |
| Mason | 8 | 3.56 | .874 |
Where do they go from here?
Something needs to change if the Flyers are serious about A) returning to the playoffs, and B) improving on last season's quarterfinal exit.
So what's the solution?
Well, it appears there aren't any quick fixes, the biggest reason being the Flyers sit with virtually no cap space to play with, ruling out any free-agent signings.
On the trade front, Jaroslav Halak's name continues to be thrown around. But with a $4.5-million cap hit, the Flyers would have to make room before acquiring him. Not to mention his 3.03 GAA and .903 save percentage means he isn't a drastic upgrade.
Of course, due to the pending expansion draft, the club could send out feelers to the likes of the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning who all boast multiple capable starters and won't be able to protect both when the new Las Vegas NHL team chooses its players.
Unfortunately, though, their limited cap space once again handcuffs the Flyers.
Their best bet
Both Mason and Neuvirth will become unrestricted free agents at season's end, and if the Flyers are serious about the future, conventional wisdom suggests neither will be returning.
On that note, the team will also see the contracts of Mark Streit, Michael Del Zotto, and Nick Schultz come off their books, which would free up north of $11 million, on top of the nearly $5 million from Mason's and Neuvirth's contracts. Roughly $16 million would be more than enough to accommodate a legitimate starting goaltender and a solid backup.
Of note, Brian Elliott and Ben Bishop are among the upcoming unrestricted free agents.
This appears to be the team's most sensible option. Also, given the majority of the team's money-makers are young, core pieces, it would make little sense for the Flyers to sacrifice an asset when money is set to become available.
Until then, the Flyers might be forced to weather the storm and continue to hope they can score themselves out of trouble.