Carter Hart entered the 2021 season with high expectations. High expectations for the Flyers, and for his own self. Hart was seen by many as the savior of the franchise in terms of goaltending. For his efforts, the Flyers haven’t had this type of goaltending in some time, as Hart went 9-5 in the playoffs coupled with a 2.23 GAA, and a .926 Save Percentage. The future looked bright, and guess what folks it still does.
Hart has had his fair share of downs this season as he has accumulated a .869 Save Percentage, however, he has had some ups, as well. Some observations I see from Hart right now are: He is playing deeper in the net, thus making himself smaller. In addition, Hart is getting beat over his glove. It appears that teams are focusing on shooting on his glove hand side, and it appears to be working for the opposition. Hart is a perfectionist and he will work tirelessly with Kim Dillabaugh to correct these problems as Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault said he needed to “Work Harder”: “Wednesday he will do the same thing, he’s going to practice it and work with [Goalie coach Kim Dillabaugh] after,” Alain Vigneault said, “We’re going to stay that way here for a little while. He needs to work on his game. He needs to work harder, he needs to work better. I’ve had a good conversation with him and Kim about my expectations about his practice habits and him stopping the puck.”
That’s just it folks, these problems are correctable. Hart needed practice, he really does as he is just 22-years-old. Unfortunately, with this condensed schedule that most teams are going through it becomes hard at times for a young netminder to stay sharp or fix problems without practice.
Hart is a perfectionist. He prides himself on his work ethic and dedication to the game. If he is not at his best it affects him, this was seen in his play as of late. At the end of the day the players in front of him have done him no justice either. Both Brian Elliott and Hart are being peppered with point blank chances, or some chances with two players from the opposition wide open like this below:
Carter…Philly believes in you. They always will, and Philly will always have your back.
This young man in Hart has electrified the fan base, and has cemented himself as the guy between the pipes for the orange and black for the foreseeable future. Most fans knew he was special, but it’s times like these that people should rally behind a young man struggling at his craft. Hart knows he has stay focused, but have fun in the same token. He will take blame for losses that’s just what good players do. Hart will continue to have a lot of highs, but some lows, as well. We as people just have to remember, he is just 22-years-old with just so much potential.
