Photo Credit: Our very own Chris Maher
How many people with a show of hands thought Martin Jones would be putting up great numbers for the Flyers? Not many, but Flyers’ General Manager Chuck Fletcher signed free agent Martin Jones to a one-year deal, worth $2 million. He has a tremendous 6’4 frame, and he ever gives up on a play. Jones is athletic, and durable. Jones played in 60+ games each of his first four seasons for the San Jose Sharks. San Jose made the choice to buyout the remaining three years of his contract, as Jones’s numbers have been in a decline the past few years, and it’s turning out he had revenge on his mind from San Jose buying him out. Why some will say? Well, he has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Flyers.
While the Jones’ signing seems to have upgraded the Flyers goaltending, he is happy and always credits his teammates for his performance, even after laying the gauntlet on the Washington Capitals, “I feel good,” Jones said following the game against the Washington Capitals. “The team is playing well, and defending well. PK is playing well, good recipe for a goalie.”
Philadelphia was banking on a familiar face in Kim Dillabaugh, the team’s goaltending coach and former coach of Jones’s to restore his confidence to make him flourish once again. Good news folks, it appears to be happening as Jones stopped 31 shots on 32 shots faced, en route to a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals. This was good enough for a .969 Save Percentage.
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The Sharks would not have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016 without Jones. Jones kicked butt that entire playoffs, and that’s what he brings to the young Carter Hart. A winning pedigree is what Hart needed most.
Jones has not had his best years the past few years, as he posted a 3.28 GAA, and a .896 Save Percentage in 34 games played last season for starters, but maybe he has revenge on his mind this season.
He is off to a great start this season, as Jones dominated the Capitals. He moved post to post laterally well, and gobbled up the rebounds. For his effort, Jones is now 3-0 as a Flyer with a 1.90 GAA, and a .949 Save Percentage.
“I believe this is the game we need for success. Got saves at the right time. Battled hard.” – Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault said following the game
Jones appears to be resurrecting his career with the orange and black. How this will end is anyone’s guess, but let’s give this a chance to work first.
Flyers Notes:
Claude Giroux appears to be aging like a fine wine, as he now has points in the first six games this season (5g,7a).
Sean Couturier is also tied with Giroux for the team lead in points with 12 (5g,7a).
The Flyers are now 6-0-1 when they score first.
