Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
Aleksei Kolosov has really played well in the past five games he has started in. He became the first Belarusian Goaltender to play in an NHL game earlier in the season. Kolosov just moves post to post so quickly, it really reminds me of a young Sergei Bobrovsky.
Kolosov played well when Samuel Ersson fell to injury in the middle of November of 2024. A Kolosov/Ivan Fedotov Goaltending tandem managed to go 6-3-2 during that span, in Ersson’s absence.
Here we go again right!!! Ersson is out with another injury, and remains day to day. It’s a lower body injury, per the Flyers.
“Mechanics have to fall to Danny,” Tortorella said of when the time comes to make a decision on the goaltending situation. Torts has said they were rolling with three goalies, to ensure Samuel Ersson was fully healthy. These head scratching decisions kind of make Torts and Briere look like geniuses now, believe it or not since Ersson is hurt once again.
Tortorella said earlier in the season, before Samuel Ersson’s first lower body injury “Feds had his chance. If I take out Erss, then Kolosov will come in.”
The one thing that stands out about Kolosov is his athleticism. He quickly moves post to post well, and he has tracked the puck a bit better, “It doesn’t mean anything. Happy to be here. Happy to play for them,” Kolosov said following a game against the Detroit Red Wings. His athleticism let’s him get away with that particular downfall to his game for the most part, at least for now, even though he looks more and more comfortable playing in the NHL as each game passes.
Ivan Fedotov
With Nic Deslauriers on Injured Reserve (IR). This afforded the Flyers to carry three goaltenders, with a three goalie carousel. Unfortunately, Fedotov hasn’t seen game action since December 5, 2024 in a loss against the Florida Panthers. Fedotov was pulled after one period, after allowing two goals on seven shots faced.
He just didn’t have it that night, and one can sense when he is on his game. Somehow the Flyers rallied, and he received a no decision on the game.
“Everybody knows my story, everybody knows my past. This is in the past, new chapter, new page. Great feelings to be here and get first win,” Fedotov said following his first NHL victory.
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When Fedotov is on his game, teams know it. Fedotov would look more comfortable and dialed in, as opposed to being rattled and flailing. Much like when he played in the KHL. He makes some big saves and timely saves, which turns into a marvelous performance. If he’s off, he’s allowing anywhere’s from five to seven goals.
Fedotov has been practicing with the big club, even though, he hasn’t seen game action. Obviously, he will be backing up Kolosov tonight in Vegas.
