When Carter Hart was injured, there was no sign that the already struggling Philadelphia Flyers would go on to win. Still, rookie Samuel Ersson took matters into his own hands in front of the cage with three wins in five days.
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The 23-year-old Swede, the team’s modest fifth-round pick in 2018, had only started one game in the National Hockey League (NHL) before, and that was on Dec. 23 against the Carolina Hurricanes. In the third period he was taken out of the game after conceding five goals.
A performance that certainly didn’t impress head coach John Tortorella. But with the absence of Hart, who suffered a concussion, and the setback of Felix Sandstrom, who is 1-6-1 after his second job at training camp, options were running out.
However, Ersson has done well and improved with every game. He initially gave up three goals on 28 shots for the San Jose Sharks on Thursday before giving up twice on 29 shots against the Los Angeles Kings two days later. Then, on Monday, he lost his first shutout 40 seconds before the final whistle on the Anaheim Ducks’ 29th and final shot.
“I’m still adjusting a bit, but I felt the game [de lundi] Was my best game so far, also analyzed the main prospect according to the official website of the NHL. I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the metrics and pace of the game.”
He’s super impressive, noted striker Travis Konecny. He’s so calm on the ice. Looks like he’s been here for a while.”
Not afraid
This calm is probably due to the fact that Ersson, despite his 23 years, already has a good professional background. He was the first-choice goalkeeper for Brynas IF in the Swedish top flight for two seasons from 2019 to 2021 before making the leap to North America last season.
Tortorella himself was impressed by the young man’s approach.
“He’s not afraid,” said the pilot. He’s just playing. I thought that was probably the game where he seemed the calmest. He did a few key saves. Yes, he was good, he played very well.
It’s only the team’s third three-game winning streak this season after their first three games. The Flyers are second-bottom in the metro area with a record of 14-17-7.
After an excellent trip to California, they will be back in Pennsylvania on Thursday to host the Arizona Coyotes.