Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
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 last night, and he looked anything but the Goaltender in his first six starts. Fedotov outplayed one of the best goaltenders in the World last night in Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Fedotov just appeared to be more confident, and maybe it was his pre-game routine, In a sense that he wasn’t supposed to be the starter. Alexei Kolosov was tabbed as the games initial starting Goaltender for the Flyers, until he suffered a lower body injury at morning skate.
“I thought he competed harder, and I don’t think there was extra movement in his game at all. He just seemed more confident.”.” – John Tortorella said Post-game
It was an unbelievable game for Fedotov. Sports are weird that way, and Fedotov prevailed. He was placed in a tough spot following the injury to Aleksei Kolosov. Credit goes to Fedotov for staying sharp, and being ready over the course of the past week or so.
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.
“Everybody knows my story, everybody knows my past. This is in the past, new chapter, new page. Great feelings to be here and get first win,” Fedotov said following the game.
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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 favor and he’s brief NHL career.
