TAMPA, Fla. — Among the things the Flyers need to do this season to make the playoffs besides a number of their players greatly improving their production from a year ago, is for goalie Steve Mason to steal games.
And tonight’s season opener against the Lightning might very well be a starting point (see game notes).
The Flyers have played some very close games here in recent years, yet always come up short. They have lost seven consecutive games in Central Florida.
Mason wasn’t aware of the losing streak.
“No,” he said, “I think every game is an individual task and challenge. It’s up to the players to come to each and every game with a fresh mindset. I don’t think we can dwell on the past.”
Mason’s offseason change in conditioning and workouts seemed very evident in training camp. He’s ahead of last year and ahead of the rest of the Flyers. They need to catch up to him.
With a new head coach in Dave Hakstol, new systems and new everything else, Mason may have to carry this team in the early going.
“I don’t look at it that way,” he said. “Going out and doing my job, that is all I can control. How I play out there and how I prepare. It starts [tonight].
“It’s going to be a great test. They’re excited. It’s their home opener. They have an extremely talented, fast-paced hockey club. For myself, in particular, I have to be ready for everything.”
Many players prefer opening on the road because the pressure of a home opener. It’s easier to get a few games under you and then return home.
“I don’t look at it as [avoiding] pressure on home openers, I enjoy it, it’s fun,” Mason said. “It’s nice to get going no matter where it is. We’ve been off quite a while now and it’s nice to get some meaningful hockey.”
Hakstol likes the idea of opening on the road.
“I think there are some good things,” he said. “You get on the road with the guys. You can have a real good, sharp focus. It’s got to be us against everybody going into that building.”
Matchups
It remains to be seen how Hakstol uses his two shutdown centers, Sean Couturier and Scott Laughton.
Given his long track record for drawing the other team’s top line, it’s a virtual certainty Couturier will draw Steven Stamkos' line. Laughton would get Tyler Johnson, who is nursing an undisclosed injury but playing.
“His shot is dangerous, probably one of the best shots in the league,” Couturier said of Stamkos. “He skates well and has that quick release. He is dangerous from anywhere when he has the puck. You have to take his time and space away when he has the puck.”
Hakstol said because he doesn’t have the last line change, he’s not going to get caught up in trying for specific matchups.
“They have really good depth and speed throughout their lineup,” Hakstol said. “I think there are challenges their lineup presents. But just overall, I look at some of the pace they play with, such as transition, things we will be ready for and ready to play.
“We don’t have last change. I won’t get caught up in that. I worry about the pace of our game whether on the road or at home. Line matchups come into it a little bit, but more important, it’s about the group in here. Being able to be in rhythm and go out and play a hard game.”