Flyers Get Goaltender Petr Mrazek in Trade With Red Wings
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Petr Mrazek is going from being a backup goaltender on a losing team to a starting job for a playoff contender.
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired Mrazek from the Detroit Red Wings for two conditional draft picks on Monday night, a day after losing their second goalie to injury in less than 10 days.
Flyers general manager Ron Hextall made the move after backup Michal Neuvirth was injured in Sunday’s win at the New York Rangers. Hextall said late Monday night that Neuvirth will miss several weeks. Starter Brian Elliott had core muscle surgery last Tuesday and is expected to miss up to 6 weeks.
“We’re excited to have obtained Petr Mrazek,” Hextall said. “Petr is a proven NHL goaltender, and given the situation we’re in, we needed a proven goaltender and we got one.”
The surprising Flyers are tied for third place in the Metropolitan Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference. The Red Wings have the fourth-fewest point total in the East and are looking to move more players before next week’s trade deadline.
Mrazek was 8-7-3 with a 2.89 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage this season for Detroit while playing behind Jimmy Howard. He’s 72-58-20 with a 2.60 GAA and a .912 save percentage in 166 appearances in six seasons for the Red Wings.
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