Samuel Ersson struggled early last season with momentum saves, when used as a backup netminder, that would eventually turn the page on the game in the Flyers favor. However, when he took over the helm as a number one netminder following the departure of Carter Hart, Ersson became a stone wall for the most part. Sure he struggled a bit down the stretch, in large part due to workload, however, he managed to still put forth a good season.
Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella noticed his increased workload down the stretch, and he managed to use him more effectively over the course of the past month of the season. Ersson was pretty impressive with his rebound control, and he made timely saves most notably against the San Jose Sharks. He moves laterally from post to post well, and he has also donned a new goalie mask in the same token this season.For his efforts, Ersson had a good year last year. So much so, he owned the 19th best GAA in Flyers history with a 2.87. That’s actually better than Carter Hart’s career 2.94 GAA as a Flyer.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, where he pitched a 36 save shutout in his pre-season debut, followed by a 30 save performance against the Boston Bruins. Ersson only allowed two goals, which was good enough for a .938 Save Percentage. He was spectacular for the Flyers just like he was last year at times. Ersson made timely saves after being peppered trying to keep his team in it early, and also key saves in big moments to keep the Flyers engines going.
Then, a lower body injury arose. He came back from that injury well posting a 1-0-1 record, to only see him have another recurring injury. It happened to be the same injury as before, a lower body injury, notably his groin.
Ersson was out for about a month, and he come back like a different Goaltender, in a bad way. He owned a 2-3 record in his last five starts, and has not posted a Save Percentage over .900 in any of them. His last five starts Save Percentages: .783, .840, .840, .857, .833.
Of course, the play in front of him Wasn’t been the best at times, but he allowed more than a few softies, and ones that he typically saves, “I let in a couple of shitty ones,” Samuel Ersson said about his game. “The guys, they bailed me out. They scored a bunch of big goals.”
Ersson continued, “Nothing is going to be given to me. I have to earn everything. Every game I want to play, just keep pushing myself to get better.” This is great to hear that he takes nothing for granted, as this is the NHL. A player could be a pick today, tomorrow not so much. Ersson knows this, and at least he admits he’s not playing well. That’s half the battle. He will rebound in a big way shortly.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
Since coming back from another recurring injury, Ersson has been phenomenal.Sure the Flyers record as of late would not indicate that, but anyone that follows the team on a regular basis knows that the score as of late shouldn’t be as close, if it wasn;t for Ersson.
“Since I’ve met Sam. That was the best I’ve seen him play. He was incredible,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said of Ersson following a career high 39 saves, after falling in overtime to the Utah Hockey Club. “I’m not going to be hard on these guys. They are trying. We have matchup problems.”
What Ersson is doing, is more than proving that he is worthy of the number one netminding role. He is a capable, and very good at it, when healthy. All he has to do from here on out is stay healthy.
