Photo Credit: Shaylah Rice
The Goaltending problems that have haunted this proud organization seem to be a thing of the past. Carter Hart is the franchise netminder, and the Flyers have a promising young netminder in Samuel Ersson back in the fold as he was recalled yesterday from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
It was only a matter of time for Ersson to be recalled, as I indicated yesterday that Felix Sandström has yet to make “That” save. After a winnable game against the Seattle Kraken, I would presume there is a sense of frustration with Sandström. Yes, all of the fault does not lie with Sandström, but he has to make a big save. That just hasn’t transpired in his past few starts, and it’s unfortunate he has not been able to play much. However, Ersson was spectacular with a recall a few months ago, and that paved the way for this recall before this four game, tough road trip.
Ersson was masterful in his final season for Brynas, in Sweden, well posting a 2.96 GAA, and a .911 Save Percentage in 42 games. His numbers do not do him Justice, but he was phenomenal for Brynas. He opened some eyes and Ersson is nearing being 100% healthy following his first season in North America, an injury riddled one at that, “I’m feeling good,” Ersson said at Developmental Camp. “I had skated just now and had another skate yesterday. My body’s feeling good, feeling positive, and making the right strides.”
“It will take a little time,” Ersson said back at training camp. “Still have a ways to go until training camp. I haven’t been on ice for much time, so it will take some time on the ice to get to really get to 100%. I will say these last couple of skates have been positive and I felt better than maybe I thought I would. Just keep on working and getting more reps out on the ice. I’ll get back in no time.”
The former Vasteras IK product in Ersson appears to a confident one after his first four stints in the NHL. He is 5-0 in his first six starts to his NHL career, with a 2.37 GAA, and a .918 Save Percentage. Ersson is agile, and really moving well laterally from post to post. He has a good glove hand, as he snares pucks out of mid air. For his efforts, Ersson has a 2.00 GAA, and a .924 Save Percentage in his last three starts, and he led the Flyers to a sweep of the California road trip for the first time in franchise history.
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This was an unlikely role given to him, with the sickness to Felix Sandström, but he is relishing his new role with the Flyers. Ersson is really turning some heads in a good way for the Flyers proud faithful.
“I’m starting to feel more comfortable. It’s the wins that matter. We got the win I’m happy with that.” – Samuel Ersson said following the game against the Anaheim Ducks
Ersson wants to prove that he is a Goaltender that the Flyers can rely on in the future to back up Carter Hart. Hopefully he progresses this season to take over the backup role for the Flyers organization possibly as early as next season. Yes, he’s that good.
