Alexei Kolosov had a solid Flyers Debut, as he became the first Belarusian Goaltender to play an NHL game

Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves

Alexei Kolosov got off to a great start in his NHL Debut last night, as he became the first Belarusian Goaltender to play an NHL game. He made nine saves out of 10 shots faced through the first period, and it’s clear the Flyers organization wants him to start, start, start these days.

It appears to some extent the goaltending conundrum that has haunted this organization in the past are rearing it’s ugly head again. Not so fast though. Kolosov played well in his NHL Debut, so he offers a bit of hope at that position. Actually, a tandem of Samuel Ersson and Alexei Kolosov isn’t a bad one.

Kolosov is athletic, and quick. He quickly moved post to post well, but he needs to track the puck a bit better. His athleticism let’s him get away with that downfall to his game, but he still allowed a slow moving pass and shot from the top of the red left-hand circle for a goal. Kolosov tried to react, but he didn’t have enough time to do such. Again it was a bit of a flukey play that lead to a Montreal Canadiens goal, as Cole Caufield broke his stick on the pass.

The organization is trying to see what they have in Kolosov before he makes a decision to stay in North America or go back to the KHL for the season. It’s to my understanding that Kolosov was happy in Lehigh, so maybe he wants to stay now.

The 22-year-old goaltender in Kolosov was tested with one breakaway, a 2-on-0, and a few 2-on-1’s, to which Kolosov made the saves of the puck went wide after great positioning. He appeared to confident and in control. Kolosov doesn’t look scattered brained and shaky, rather he stands tall and moves laterally from post to post well.

“I thought our goalie played good. He made some really good saves,” said Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella following the game.

“I thought Koly (Alexei Kolosov) was great for us tonight,” Scott Laughton said post-game.

Best of luck to Kolosov, as he now gets a chance of a lifetime to impress on the big stage. As post-game analyst Scott Hartnell alludes to above. Kolosov is a competitor, so the sky is the limit from here.

Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store

Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise