Bumps in the road happen for everyone, whether it’s at work or at home. That’s just part of life. Everyone will have a bump in the road at some point or another, and athletes are no different. They are humans too, it’s the nature of the business. Fortunately, Hart fought through the “Speed” bump on the road.
Hart just wasn’t himself on this past road trip. At times people saw flashes of the old Hart that most are accustomed to seeing, but the Flyers didn’t receive the timely saves that the world is used to seeing Hart make. Hart appears to get a little rattled when he gives up a soft goal, and sometimes the flood gates open. Bill Meltzer from Hockeybuzz.com mentioned that as well, in a great piece earlier in the week.
Hart could have been rattled by the first goal last night against the Washington Capitals, as the first goal went through the “Wickets,” aka his five hole, a stoppable shot sure, but a brutal turnover by Travis Sanheim led to that goal. It was really hard to fault Hart on that one. Moreover, Hart gave up a rebound on the second goal, and it appeared he was fighting the puck at that point. It was great to see Hart rebound in a big way after giving up the second goal that shouldn’t have transpired in the first place. From that point on in the game, Hart was lights out, as he finished the game with 26 saves, and a .928 Save Percentage.
The young 21-year-old netminder cured his old habits in a big win against the best team in hockey. Hart fought off being rattled, and really it was comforting to see him rebound in such a way. It’s not major issues or flaws in his game lately, rebound control can be corrected with working with Goalie Coach Kim Dillabaugh. With the travel and all, it is really tough to work with Dillabaugh on this aspect of his game. It’s just nice to see him overcome the mental aspect of being rattled after giving up a stoppable goal. For his efforts, Hart is now 12-1-2 at home, with a 1.54 GAA, and a .945 Save Percentage.
This young man in Hart has electrified the fan base, and has cemented himself as the guy between the pipes for the orange and black for years to come. Every young player will have their ups and downs. It’s just the way sports is. Every sports player at some point throughout their career has encountered a down, and yes even Carey Price fought through some downs in his rookie campaign.
Hart wasn’t the sharpest on the road, but he was really good against a juggernaut in the Capitals. It’s a fact, Hart will have some bumps in the road, but that doesn’t mean people should give up on him. Hart will continue to have a lot of highs, but some lows, as well. We as people just have to remember, he is just a 21-year-old human being, that is able to have some lows, as well.
Well done sir keep up the positive work. We are routing for ya. Before you know it you well be teaching other kids like you.
Cheers Darren