Michal Neuvirth has been with the Flyers just four games.
He started in the net two games.
And in those two games, the 27-year-old Czech has already made some club history.
He tied Jeff Hackett by recording his second shutout in two consecutive starts with the team on Wednesday, 3-0, against Chicago (see game recap).
Hackett did it first back in October 2003 against Buffalo and San Jose, though the latter was a 0-0 tie, not a win. Neuvirth won both his games.
Even he admits this wasn’t in the stars.
“It’s been unbelievable the last few days and the guys have been unbelievable, as well,” he said. “Our penalty killing has been very strong. It’s been two great team efforts the whole 60 minutes.”
Neuvirth, signed in free agency to replace Ray Emery in the backup role, has never had consecutive shutouts in the NHL. He did, however, do it in the minors during the 2009 Calder Cup playoffs for the Hershey Bears (Games 6 and 7).
His highlight save — the video is already online — came during a second-period power play with the Flyers ahead, 1-0.
'Hawks defenseman Viktor Svedberg dug a puck out of the right corner and sent a tape-to-tape feed to Marian Hossa — a designed play, as Hossa was cheating up the middle.
Hossa zoomed in on Neuvirth, who made a pad stop.
“Obviously I have the respect for him, but I was just trying to stay patient and wait for him to do the first move,” Neuvirth said.
“My lead was that he was going at low blocker. That was a huge save for us and right after we made it 2-0, so that was a really big save.”
As a reward for a superb performance, coach Dave Hakstol gave the Flyers off on Thursday.
“It’s very important we play like one team. It’s going to make us stronger in the long run,” Neuvirth said.
“We battle through some hard times and we played well.”
ESYHF
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly presented a check for $950,000 on behalf of the NHLPA to the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation prior to the game.
Snider is in California recuperating from medical treatments.
Bill Whitmore, chairman of ESYHF and foundation president Scott Tharp accepted the check along with three student athletes from ESYHF.
“When it comes to programs for youth that use education, after school programs, rink development and combines it with education to provide a framework for teamwork, hard work, studying, diligence and really getting yourself into a position where all the important value in life are instilled upon you, there’s no program which does it better than Snider Hockey,” Bettman said.
“The number of students in a school system where there are so many dropouts that have actually completed high school and gone onto to college, it’s incredible.
“It’s a testament to Ed’s determination, his vision, his commitment, [his] financial resources and that’s why we’re here tonight. I’m proud on behalf of the National Hockey League and Players Association to be presenting a check to Snider Hockey for $950,000.
“In terms of worthy causes and program that make a difference, this is at the top of my list.”
Bettman did not take questions on any subject, as a spokesman said he didn’t want to upstage this event or Kimmo Timonen’s retirement ceremony that followed.