Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
A towering prospect in Ivan Fedotov stands at 6’7 and weighs 214.5 pounds, per the Flyers PR. He was found by former Flyers’ General Manager Ron Hextall in the 7th round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Since being drafted by the Flyers; the now 27-year-old Fedotov made his way up the ranks in Russia. He was playing in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League), which is not only Russia’s top league, but it’s arguably the second toughest league in the World. Fedotov spent time with CSKA Moscow in his final season to date in the KHL where he posted a 14-10-2 record, a 2.00 GAA (Goals Against Average), with a .919 SV% (Save Percentage). Moreover, Fedotov was also credited with two shutouts. Simply put, he kicked butt, and deserved an NHL contract.
He finally made his NHL Debut and it was a success, while backstopping 19 sanes on 21 shots faced. Fedotov really showed promise, and was one of a few players that played their butts off in a losing effort on Monday night, “I don’t care if I’m playing for the first minute or whole game. Just want to help the team,” Fedotov said following his NHL Debut.
Since then it’s been a bit rocky for Fedotov. Through six starts he still didn’t earn an NHL victory and he was eventually benched for Aleksei Kolosov. Fedotov just didn’t seem confident, he seemed a bit rattled. His reflex time was very slow, and Fedotov had trouble moving post to post.
Let’s fast forward to His last two starts. He was phenomenal against the Tampa Bay Lightning Uber a week ago, any who is really good against the Ottawa Senators last night. The Flyers had absolutely no business being in the game, but Fedotov somehow kept them in it, even when they were losing the game 4-2.
His lateral movements post to post were very smooth, and much smoother than in the past. It appears he’s getting comfortable at the NHL level. Fedotov just appears to be more confident, and maybe it was his pre-game routine.
“Played really good. He’s stopping the puck, he’s competing harder, he’s stopping the puck.” – John Tortorella said Post-game
It was an unbelievable game for Fedotov. Sports are weird that way, and Fedotov prevailed. The Flyers were heavily outshot 37-19 for the game, The game that they shouldn’t have won 5-4 in overtime.
The guys played their butts off for Fedotov too, but Fedotov looked more comfortable, and dialed in. Much like when he played in the KHL. He made some big saves and timely saves it was a marvelous performance.
“There wasn’t a lot of extra movement. He just looked different to me. He looked a lot more confident,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said prior to the game. Maybe he’s figured things out, and this should only bode well for the orange and black.
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It appears Fedotov is happy and happy to be a Flyer. On one special night, one special night, maybe his script has turned in his fate at the NHL level.
