Sam Ersson is heating up lately for the Flyers. The Swedish goaltender has been solid in recent outings after a rough overall 2025-26 season. In his last few starts (post-Olympic break), he’s gone 4-0, including:
- A strong performance vs. the Washington Capitals on March 11: 22 saves on 23 shots (.957 SV%) in a 4-1 win. espn.com
- Relief work and limited action in other games.
- Most recently, a win over the Chicago Blackhawks, where he earned second-star honors in a 5-1 victory (part of the Flyers’ 6-1-1 run).
Season Stats
- Record: 11-10-5 in ~28 appearances (25 starts).
- GAA: 3.28.
- SV%: .864 (has struggled overall, ranking near the bottom league-wide).
- Advanced metrics (e.g., GSAx) have been negative, contributing to debates about his role behind Dan Vladar, who’s had a much stronger year. broadstreethockey.com
Earlier in the season and into 2026, Ersson faced heavy criticism for inconsistency, low save percentages in lighter-workload games, confidence issues, and being pulled early in some contests. Articles discussed his impact hurting the Flyers more than realized, with calls to move on from him as the starter.
That said, the recent hot streak—coupled with the Flyers pushing for a playoff spot (5 points back of the New York Islanders with games in hand and 11 left)—has Flyers fans excited. He’s made highlight-reel stops, helped secure shootout wins, and looks more confident.
Ersson has efinitely shown flashes of the potential seen in prior years. The tandem with Vladar gives Philly a chance, but Ersson will need to sustain this to quiet the critics.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
About Author
