Date Published: 10-28-2022
Photo Credit: Zack Hill
While looking over this Flyers roster, it appears that the Flyers may struggle to score goals, at least on paper. One thing that remains constant is excellent goaltending from the one, the only, Carter Hart. For those that were worried about him not participating in Pre-Season games, that’s all in the past, as he is off to one hell of a start at 5-0-0. Hart is the seventh Goaltender in Flyers history to start off the season with five straight wins, per NHL stats. The highest is eight, which may happen in the near future with the way he’s playing. However, he is the first goaltender within the organization to win his first five games since Ron Hextall in 1995-96.
“He’s maturing, he made some big saves,” John Tortorella said yesterday of Hart following the game. While Hart says, “Good. That was a good win. A little tired, but that’s a huge win against a good hockey team.”
“I’m just taking things one day at a time. Not getting too ahead, not worrying about the past. Just taking things day by day. That’s it.” – Carter Hart
Yes, this very well maybe the best defense Carter Hart has seen from the orange and black, and he’s thriving. For his efforts, he sits with the fourth best Save Percentage in the league at a rate of .947, and the sixth best GAA at a rate of 2.00. I believe Hart will continue to play well this season, but that’s all null and void if the Flyers aren’t winning games, to which Hart’s numbers will be unfairly scrutinized in the event this transpires. At the end of the day, most hockey fans and pundits look at the win-loss column and numbers, however, that doesn’t always tell the entire story like last season for example with Hart and Martin Jones. Both goalies had a solid season, but if you looked at their numbers one may not think so if they don’t follow the team on the daily basis.
Carter Hart is enduring quite a season. He has bailed the Flyers out time and time again early this season, saved their bacon. Moreover, on most occasions he is the sole reason the Flyers are in many games. He’s just full of confidence as he moves well laterally from post to post well, and with the way he is tracking the puck.
In a season clearly highlighting the Flyers non-successes, Hart is a bright spot for the Flyers, a season that is full of injuries once again. It’s unfortunate the Flyers received quality goaltending for the most part last season, and they finished with a historic one of the worst seasons in Flyers history. However, that’s in the past now, as Hart is really doing something truly remarkable for this franchise.
It may or not be be hard to judge Hart for what he is worth this season, but let’s hope Hart can prove some of his doubters wrong. This young man has electrified the fan base, and has cemented himself as the guy between the pipes for the orange and black for years to come. Let’s hope he stays healthy this season, and plays well.
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