Report: Steve Mason to undergo knee surgery

There is not so good news to report out of the Philadelphia Flyers camp and that is goalie Steve Mason will undergo surgery on his problematic right knee. According to CSN Philly’s Tim Panaccio, Mason did not want to undergo surgery in January but has no choice now.

Here is more from Panaccio regarding Mason’s arthroscopic knee surgery:

After multiple MRIs — more than three — the Flyers and Mason have decided they will scope his right knee to find the source of pain and why it’s been locking up on him, a source told CSNPhilly.com.

Mason’s latest injury came Sunday at the bench during a timeout at the Flyers-Capitals game. The 26-year-old goalie went to bench to stretch, then his right knee buckled.

He left the game and did not return while backup Ray Emery picked up a 3-1 victory in relief.

This is the third time since Jan. 6 that Mason has injured his right knee.

With the Flyers now down their number one goaltender for who knows how long, the pressure is now on backup Ray Emery to perform as the team is only nine points out of playoff contention. Emery will have to perform well as thus far this season, Mason has a .924 save percentage which ranks sixth in the NHL and a 2.27 goals against average.

For the time being, backing up Ray Emery will be 21-year-old rookie Anthony Stolarz, who the Flyers called up. Hopefully Emery stays healthy because if not the Flyers could be in some serious trouble.