Photo Credit: Shaylah Rice
The Goaltending problems that have haunted this proud organization are a thing of the past. Carter Hart is the franchise netminder, and Flyers have promising young netminder in Samuel Ersson waiting and proving that he should be Hart’s backup for the foreseeable future.
Ersson was masterful in his final season for Brynas, in Sweden, well posting a 2.96 GAA, and a .911 Save Percentage in 42 games. His numbers do not do him Justice, but he was phenomenal for Brynas. He opened some eyes and Ersson is nearing being 100% healthy following his first season in North America, an injury riddled one at that, “I’m feeling good,” Ersson said at Developmental Camp. “I had skated just now and had another skate yesterday. My body’s feeling good, feeling positive, and making the right strides.”
“It will take a little time,” Ersson said back at training camp. “Still have a ways to go until training camp. I haven’t been on ice for much time, so it will take some time on the ice to get to really get to 100%. I will say these last couple of skates have been positive and I felt better than maybe I thought I would. Just keep on working and getting more reps out on the ice. I’ll get back in no time.”
The former Vasteras IK product in Ersson appears to a confident one after his first four stints in the NHL. He is 3-0, with a 2.90 GAA, and a .905 Save Percentage to start his NHL career. Ersson is agile, and really moving well laterally from post to post. He has a good glove hand, as he snares pucks out of mid air. For his efforts, Ersson has accumulated a 2.56 GAA, and a .913 Save Percentage in his first seven starts to his NHL career, and he led the Flyers to a sweep of the California road trip for the first time in franchise history earlier in the season.
This was an unlikely role given to him with his original recall being a sickness to Felix Sandström, but he is relishing his new role with the Flyers. Ersson is really turning some heads in a good way for the Flyers proud faithful, and he had some great things to say on becoming just the 8th goaltender in NHL history to start his NHL career 6-0-0:
“I mean it’s fine and special. I’m just trying to get a spot here on the team. Every game is huge for me.” – Samuel Ersson said following the victory against the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome
Ersson wants to prove that he is a Goaltender that the Flyers can rely on in the future to back up Carter Hart, and John Tortorella put that to bed yesterday saying he will be here long-term:
“He made big saves throughout the game, but the early saves to allow us get a lead. He’s come in every time we ask him to do something he’s played very well. Not only for short-term, but long-term also.” – John Tortorella
A leader in Scott Laughton sounded off on Ersson following the game, as well, “Really, that’s money on the board tomorrow (He said about Ersson becoming the 8th goaltender in history to start his NHL career 6-0-0)…He’s very steady back there, guy you want to play in front of, both Hartsy and him. Good for him, he played a hell of a game.”
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
From the heavens above, the Flyers have finally solved their goaltending conundrum, which has taken them 30+ years to fulfill this prophecy. It appears it will be the Carter Hart and Samuel Ersson show for an extended period of time. I envision Felix Sandström being moved or coupled in a trade involving James van Riemsdyk or Justin Braun. If that will not suffice, I believe Sandström could be waived.
