Neuvirth turned away 23 of 25 shots in Friday's 5-2 preseason win over the Islanders.

EDGE Analysis

Neuvirth is expected to slot in as oft-injured Steve Mason's backup, so it's encouraging to see him submit a solid performance, even in a relatively meaningless preseason matchup. Mason was only able to start 48 games last season due to injury, so don't be surprised if Neuvirth is given a heavier workload than a typical backup goaltender.

Neuvirth is slated to play the entirety of Friday's game against the Islanders, Tim Panaccio of CSN Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Neuvirth signed a two-year deal with the Flyers in July to serve as Steve Mason's backup. Mason has struggled with injuries thus far in his career, starting just 48 games last season, so Neuvirth could get more action than the typical backup goalie.

Neuvirth signed a two-year deal with the Flyers on Wednesday worth $3.25 million, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Neuvirth, who played in 32 games last season for the Sabres and Islanders, compiling a 2.98 GAA and .914 save percentage in the process, is thus slated to serve as a backup to starter Steve Mason in Philly. He's essentially replacing veteran netminder Ray Emery in that role.

The Islanders haven't contacted the agent for Neuvirth about a new contract, according to SNY.tv. Neuvirth played much better with the Sabres as a starter than the Islanders as a backup so he may want to see if there is starting job out there for him first before committing to sign with any team as a backup.

Neuvirth saw his first action of the postseason in Thursday's Game 5 loss to the Capitals. He stopped all six shots he faced while relieving starter Jaroslav Halak for the second half of the third period. Despite Halak's poor outing, don't expect coach Jack Capuano to entertain any ideas of benching his No. 1 goalie with the Islanders facing elimination in Game 6. Neuvirth did well to keep the Isles' deficit from growing worse Thursday, but his generally disappointing play since coming over from the Sabres at the trade deadline won't allow him to enter the starting goalie conversation.

Neuvirth (undisclosed) faced shots at Monday's practice, Doug Williams of SNY reports. The injury prevented Neuvirth from being available in last Saturday's regular-season finale against the Blue Jackets, but it doesn't look as though the goalie is at risk of missing any postseason action. The Islanders reassigned Kevin Poulin to AHL Bridgeport after Saturday's game, indicating that Neuvirth is healthy enough to serve as the backup to Jaroslav Halak for the team's first-round playoff series against the Capitals.

Neuvirth is dealing with an undisclosed injury and doesn't appear likely to play Saturday against the Blue Jackets. Neuvirth was the leading candidate to receive the start for Saturday's season finale after Jaroslav Halak was in the net Friday against the Penguins, but the goalie's injury probably leaves Kevin Poulin, who was recalled from AHL Bridgeport on an emergency basis, the likely starter. It's not clear how or when Neuvirth suffered the injury, but he'll be viewed as day-to-day in advance of the postseason.

Neuvirth allowed three goals on 24 shots in Saturday's loss to Anaheim. None of the goals can really be blamed on Neuvirth, (breakaway, knocked in by teammate, swept in his crease), but the bottom line is with Buffalo Neuvirth had a .918 save percentage and with the Islanders, it's only .881.

Neuvirth will start Saturday's game against the Ducks. Neuvirth will get his first start since March 17 and fifth start in an Islanders uniform. He has a 1-2-1 record thus far, with a 2.91 GAA and .882 save percentage in the very limited sample size.

Neuvirth gave up four goals on 30 shots Tuesday in a 4-2 loss to the Blackhwks. He was killed by the trio of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa, and there's no shame in that -- Neuvirth's hardly the first goalie to be victimized by those prolific scorers. But it's still his third loss in four starts as an Islander.