from Travis Yost of TSN,

One of the primary drivers behind the success of the Philadelphia Flyers one season ago was, surprisingly, strength between the pipes. Dave Hakstol’s team conceded just 126 goals at 5-on-5 (sixth best in the NHL) despite a high volume of shots against. I think there was a fair argument to be made at season’s end that the Steve Mason/Michal Neuvirth combination was worthy of team MVP honors.

The goaltending uptick has been a peculiar strength of the Flyers for a few years now. Ever since the Mason era began, the Flyers – an organization often victimized by substandard netminding in the past – have enjoyed a reasonable advantage over competitors.

In the past three seasons, the Flyers have stopped 92.9 per cent of the shots they have faced at even-strength, a number only bested by the likes of the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings. That kind of goaltending advantage has meant a lot of additional goals in Philadelphia’s pocket – and a good handful of wins above expectations.

continued