As the Olympic break wraps up, it's time to dive into the Philadelphia Flyers' goaltending situation. Calling it a "mixed bag" might be putting it mildly.
Dan Vladar has emerged as a reliable starter, but the backup roles filled by Sam Ersson and Aleksei Kolosov have left much to be desired. Let's break it down.
Dan Vladar: A-
Vladar's performance has been a bright spot for the Flyers this season. Despite Team Czechia's tough exit against Canada at the Olympics, Vladar has been a standout for Philadelphia.
Initially, there were doubts about GM Danny Briere's decision to sign him, but Vladar's performance has silenced the critics. With a .905 save percentage and a 2.47 goals-against average, his 8.00 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) ranks him 18th in the league.
Even with some injury setbacks and a shaky January, Vladar has earned his "A-" grade with consistent performances across 33 games.
Aleksei Kolosov: D
Kolosov's limited ice time makes it tough to fully assess his potential, but in the games he's played, the numbers aren't encouraging. With a minus-4 GSAx, an .830 save percentage, and a 4.00 GAA, there's room for improvement. At just 24, Kolosov still has time to develop, but more seasoning in the AHL with the Phantoms seems necessary for him to evolve into a dependable backup.
Sam Ersson: F
Ersson's season has been a struggle, to say the least. With a minus-18.1 GSAx, his performance ranks second worst in the league.
His .856 save percentage is the lowest among NHL goalies with at least five games played. Entering the final year of his contract, Ersson's future with the Flyers is uncertain.
As an arbitration-eligible RFA, it wouldn't be surprising if the Flyers decide to move on. He might get a few more opportunities this season, but it's unlikely to change the overall assessment of his performance.
In summary, while Vladar has been a revelation, the Flyers still have significant questions to answer regarding their goaltending depth.