Sam Ersson's Crucial Stretch with the Flyers
In Voorhees, New Jersey, Sam Ersson isn't letting thoughts of the future cloud his focus on the present. With the Philadelphia Flyers clinging to hopes of a playoff push as NHL play resumes, Ersson, a pending restricted free agent, knows the clock is ticking.
Drafted in the fifth round back in 2018, Ersson once seemed poised to cement his status as a reliable NHL goaltender. Yet, for the second consecutive season, his numbers tell a different story.
With an .856 save percentage over 24 games, he ranks last among qualifying goaltenders.
Despite the struggles, the Flyers still see Ersson as their best option behind starting goalie Dan Vladar. The team isn't looking to bring in outside help, which means Ersson will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself as the season winds down. A strong finish could be the key to whether the Flyers decide to extend him a qualifying offer this summer.
When asked about the importance of the upcoming games, Ersson remains focused on the team: "You’re just trying to make a push here with the team, and all that other stuff, you take it once it comes up."
The Olympic break has been a welcome respite for Ersson, offering a chance to recharge both physically and mentally. "It’s definitely nice...to just shut everything off for a little bit," he shared. "Work on everything on the ice, in the gym...get conditioning to exactly where you want it to be."
Flyers assistant coach Todd Reirden confirmed that Ersson will start one of the first two games after the break, either against the Washington Capitals or the New York Rangers. This marks the beginning of a grueling stretch of 10 games in 18 days, including multiple back-to-back matchups. Reliable goaltending from Vladar alone won't suffice if the Flyers are to end their playoff drought since the 2020 bubble.
Reirden emphasized the need for consistency from Ersson: "He’s sporadically shown us some really good games. Consistency will be crucial if we want to end up where we want to be."
Garnet Hathaway's Struggles and Potential Comeback
Ersson isn't the only Flyer needing a resurgence. Forward Garnet Hathaway has had a tough season, with just one goal and one assist in 47 games. His inability to contribute offensively has been a factor in the Flyers' fourth-line struggles, as they've been outscored 14-7 at five-on-five with him on the ice.
Hathaway, who has a year left on his contract, acknowledges his performance hasn't met his standards. "This year is one that, unfortunately, is missing by a decent margin on my play on how I want to help this team out," he admitted.
Reirden, familiar with Hathaway from their time with the Penguins and Capitals, hopes to see him regain his physical edge. "Getting in on the forecheck as that F1, and making sure you’re arriving there with a physical presence...creating momentum for our team," Reirden outlined.
At 34, Hathaway faces questions about his ability to maintain his physical style, especially after a serious concussion last season. He insists the concussion hasn't impacted his play, though he admits he hasn't been at his best.
As the Flyers sit eight points out of a playoff spot, the coming weeks are crucial. Both Ersson and Hathaway have the chance to be pivotal contributors. Ersson summed it up: "This is a huge time of the year, and we feel like we’re in it and can make a push here."