It was announced today that Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson has been added to Team Sweden’s 4 Nations roster. He will be replacing New Jersey Devils netminder Jacob Markstrom.
Markstrom was injured in the second period of the Devils’ 5-1 win over the Boston Bruins last Wednesday. Bruins forward Justin Brazeau accidentally crashed into him, causing the injury. Markstrom sustained an MCL strain and will be out for at least four to six weeks.
This gives Ersson a chance to show off his skills in front of the whole world. The 4 Nations tournament will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, and Montreal, Canada, and run from Feb.12-20. Many Flyers fans think that Ersson deserves this chance due to his recent play in net. In his last 10 starts, Ersson is 8-2 and holds down a .930 save percentage.
Don’t get me wrong, Flyers fans. Ersson has had his fair share of injuries and has missed significant time. However, he always finds a way to get into a grove and go on a run for the team. With the Flyers only three points out of the final wildcard spot, Ersson is heating up at just the right time.
The Flyers now have plenty of representation in the 4 Nations tournament. Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim will be playing for Team Canada, Rasmus Ristolainen for Team Finland, Ersson for Team Sweden, and John Tortorella as an assistant coach for Team USA.
Since the departure of Carter Hart, Ersson had taken over as the Flyers number-one goaltender. In my opinion, he’s been doing all he can to keep the team in games and making “that save” when the team needs it. On the season, Ersson holds down a record of 15-8-2, a 2.77 goals against average (GAA), and a .893 save percentage.
How much action will Ersson see in the tournament? No one knows. As Flyers fans, we can only hope that he performs well and doesn’t sustain any injuries.
Flyers Next Game
The Flyers take on the New Jersey Devils tonight at 7 pm in New Jersey on TNT.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
