The Philadelphia Flyers weren’t exactly a trendy playoff pick heading into the season, especially in a Metropolitan Division stacked with top-end talent. But here we are in early December, and the Flyers are sitting in the No.
1 Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. That’s not a fluke - they’ve earned it.
And one of the biggest reasons why? Goaltending.
Specifically, Dan Vladar.
When the Flyers signed Vladar, it didn’t exactly send shockwaves through the hockey world. He wasn’t the headline name fans were clamoring for.
But sometimes, the best moves are the ones that fly under the radar. And right now, Vladar is proving to be exactly that - a low-key, high-impact signing that’s helping to stabilize a team that’s found itself in the thick of the playoff race.
Heading into December, Vladar had put together a 10-4-1 record with a .912 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average over 15 games. That’s the kind of goaltending that gives your team a chance to win every night - and for a Flyers team that’s still figuring out its offensive identity, that’s invaluable.
Of course, even the best goalies have off nights, and Vladar had one recently, allowing five goals on 27 shots in a loss to the Penguins. But one rough outing doesn’t erase the body of work he’s put together so far this season - and around the league, people are taking notice.
Respected NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently spotlighted Vladar’s impact, calling the Flyers’ decision to sign him “one of the best moves of the summer” on the 32 Thoughts podcast. That’s high praise, and it’s well-earned. Friedman pointed out that while players like Trevor Zegras tend to grab the headlines, it’s the under-the-radar additions like Vladar that can quietly reshape a team’s outlook.
And it’s true - finding reliable goaltending in today’s NHL isn’t easy. Unless your team has a perennial Vezina candidate like Connor Hellebuyck, Igor Shesterkin, or Andrei Vasilevskiy, you’re often left hoping your goalie can simply hold the fort. Just ask the Edmonton Oilers how tough life can be without solid play between the pipes.
The Flyers didn’t leave it to chance. They did their homework.
Vladar came over from Calgary, where he spent last season backing up Dustin Wolf. His numbers with the Flames weren’t eye-popping - a .898 save percentage and a 2.80 GAA in 30 games - but context matters.
In Calgary, he often drew the short end of the schedule stick, playing in back-to-backs or less favorable matchups while the Flames prioritized protecting their young netminder.
That nuance wasn’t lost on Friedman’s co-host, Kyle Bukauskas, who gave a nod to the Flyers’ pro scouting department for identifying Vladar as a potential fit. He noted that Vladar often played in tough spots last year and still managed to keep his head above water.
Fast forward to Philadelphia, and the environment is different - less travel, a more structured system, and a fresh opportunity. It’s a better fit, and so far, it’s paying off.
The Flyers inked Vladar to a two-year, $6.7 million deal, and right now, that contract looks like a steal. If the team can add a bit more scoring punch, Vladar’s job becomes even more manageable. But even without that offensive boost, he’s already made a huge difference.
This is the kind of move that doesn’t just help a team survive - it helps them believe. The Flyers needed stability in net, and they’ve found it. Vladar might not have come in with a ton of fanfare, but he’s delivering the kind of performances that matter most: the ones that help you win hockey games.