The Flyers are in the midst of a competitive season (sitting at 22-13-8, good for 3rd in the Metro Division), but their goaltending has been a mixed bag—and yes, the drumbeat for Aleksei Kolosov is getting louder among fans and observers.
- Dan Vladar (the clear #1): 26 games, 16-6-4 record, 2.35 GAA, .910 SV% — solid and reliable, carrying the heavy load.
- Samuel Ersson (backup/spot starter): 15 games, 6-6-4 record, 3.34 GAA, .858 SV% — struggling noticeably, with inconsistency that’s been highlighted in recent games (including last night’s tough outing against Tampa Bay, where the team defense collapsed but he couldn’t steal it).
Aleksei Kolosov has only seen limited NHL action this season: two appearances (0-1-0), 1.62 GAA, .929 SV% in about 74 minutes. Small sample, but encouraging. He’s spent most of the year dominating in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he’s posted strong numbers (around 9-9-1, 2.54 GAA, .908 SV% in 19 games, including a recent Player of the Week honor after a shutout and a birthday win with stellar saves).He’s been recalled briefly (e.g., emergency conditions in December) but sent back down quickly when injuries cleared.Why “Kolosov Time” Feels ImminentFans (including some vocal ones on X) are pushing for it, especially with Ersson’s recent dips and the team’s push for points in a tight playoff race. Recent sentiment includes calls like:
- “Enough with the Ersson experiment”
- “Kolosov get ready to learn Flyers hockey”
- Suggestions to give him a few games or even the backup role for stability
Ersson is struggling and may need a mental reset, while Kolosov looks more confident and comfortable in the AHL after a rocky past couple of seasons. His hot streak (e.g., 31-save shutout, 29/30 saves in recent games) has people asking if it’s time for a longer look in Philly, at least as a fresh backup option to spell Vladar and challenge Ersson.
That said, the team hasn’t pulled the trigger yet—likely because Vladar is performing well, and they may prefer to keep developing Kolosov or avoid disrupting chemistry mid-season. But with the schedule heating up and back-to-backs looming, a call-up (or even a start or two for Kolosov) wouldn’t be surprising soon.
It’s getting close to Aleksei Kolosov time in Philly, especially if Ersson can’t steady the ship. The 24-year-old Belarusian has earned the conversation with his AHL play, and the Flyers could use a spark in net to stay in the hunt.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
About Author
