Steve Mason, Wayne Simmonds force Game 7 vs. Rangers

Wayne Simmonds provided the offense, Steve Mason provided the defense, and the Philadelphia Flyers forced a Game 7 against the New York Rangers with a 5-2 win in Tuesday night’s Game 6 at Wells Fargo Center.

Prepare your heart for the following fact: A Flyers goalie was absolutely brilliant in a must-win playoff game. Mason made 34 saves, including several outstanding snags with his glove throughout the game.

Again, deep breaths: In four games, Mason has been one of the best goalies in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with a 1.95 GAA and a .939 save percentage. Meanwhile, the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist was pulled late in the second period after the Flyers’ fourth goal.

Simmonds provided the offense. His hat trick – two power-play goals and an even-strength tally – gives him four goals in the postseason.

Erik Gustafsson and Claude Giroux (empty netter) had the other goals. Carl Hagelin and Mats Zuccarello had the Rangers’ goals.

The Flyers were 2-for-3 on the power play while the Rangers were 0-for-5, and are now 3-for-28 for the series.

Game 7 is Wednesday night at MSG at 7 p.m.