Ersson’s Second Shutout Of The Season Continues Flyers’ Point Streak
Following a 4-3 shootout win over the Capitals, the Flyers hosted the Detroit Red Wings, in hopes of continuing their 7-game point streak. They did so in front of a packed Wells Fargo Crowd, with fans eager to see if the Flyers could keep that streak going. Old faces returned to the Wells Fargo Center as former goalie Alex Lyon and Defender Shayne Gostisbehere took the ice for the Red Wings.
The most filled I’ve seen the barn this season pic.twitter.com/xn1vUDWM38
— Haley Taylor Simon (@Haleytsimon) December 17, 2023
While goaltending has been the team’s strong suit, it fell on the backup goalie, Sam Ersson, to take the start in the net. Carter Hart remains out as he continues to battle an illness. But he was dressed on the bench, and ready to go if needed. The only other roster move was Travis Sanheim, who was also out due to illness.
With the Flyers being 14-1 when they score first, they were striving to get on the board right away. Cam York did just that by sneaking the puck behind Lyon. Travis Konecny got his 200th career assist on York’s goal.
Give-and-goal. #DETvsPHI | @camyork2 pic.twitter.com/eISBIFLNpC
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 17, 2023
Alex Lyon exited later int he game after getting injured. Ville Husso entered the game for Detroit. Husso manged to shut the Flyers out for the rest of the game, but the Flyers 1 goal was enough to earn the victory.
Ersson’s Family Reunion
This was Ersson’s 2nd shutout of the season. The 24-year-old goalie announced that the game was unique because his family traveled from his residence in Sweden to see him play in the NHL for the first time.
Sam Ersson said this is the first time his parents saw him play in the NHL
— Haley Taylor Simon (@Haleytsimon) December 17, 2023
After the game, Errson talked about the camaraderie in the Flyer’s locker room. “We care about each other in the room and care about each other’s success as a group as also as individuals,” he said. “I appreciate it so much. It was a special game for me. It was the first time my family got to see me play in the NHL.”
The Swedish native stopped all 33 shots on net. His record for the season is 7-3-2, which includes two shootout wins, now with a save percentage of .897%
The Importance Of Defense
Ristolainen’s presence back on the ice has been noticed with his aggressive play style. He is one of the bigger guys on the Flyers and has been vital when protecting the blue line. The Defender touched on his game improvement and credits Tortorella. “I wish I had him when I was 18 and coming into the league.”
A job well done. 🤝#DETvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/TRKpC5f6sx
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 17, 2023
Tortorella is the first to credit the Flyers for their resilience displayed on the ice, “Everybody knows we need to block shots. In that situation, it’s absolute desperation.” In the final frame, Sean Couturier had to go to the locker room for a few minutes due to a potential injury. What makes Couturier so valuable is his dedication to his team. “He’s missed too much hockey. He doesn’t want to miss a shift. He’s a pro. He doesn’t say much, but when he speaks on the bench, people listen,” Tortorella stated.
The Flyers take the bus to New Jersey for puck drop Tuesday night. You can hear all the action on ice only at 97.5 The Fanatic.
What The Flyers Would Look Like If They Only Had Local Players
Johnny Gaudreau
Any roster of local players has to start with Johnny Gaudreau. The South Jersey native blossomed into an NHL superstar in nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before moving to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He’ll likely retire as the most accomplished NHL player with local connections.
Ross Colton
The Mercer County, New Jersey native scored the game-winning goal of the Stanley Cup clincher for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Colton has developed into a strong depth scoring option in a full-time NHL role with the Colorado Avalanche.
Kasperi Kapanen
Isn’t he from Finland? Kasperi Kapanen spoke highly of childhood years spent in the area days before the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft at the Wells Fargo Center. His father Sami Kapanen spent five seasons with the Flyers from 2002-03 through 2007-08, and his son made Philadelphia his quasi-hometown.
“Cheesesteaks, hoagies – you miss it. When I come to the States and smell the fresh air, I feel like I’m at home.” -Kasperi Kapanen (The Hockey News, 2014)
Tony DeAngelo
DeAngelo spent his only season in Philadelphia in 2022-23. He spoke during his introductory press conference about cheering for the Flyers while growing up in South Jersey and his family’s roots in South Philly. His skill set provides a solid option as a power-play defenseman.
Mattias Samuelsson
The Buffalo Sabes drafted Mattias Samuelsson in the second round in 2018. His father Kjell spent nine of his 14 NHL seasons with the Flyers. His sister has also become a respected member of the Flyers organization in a PR role. His background of exposure to the organization helped prepare him for the NHL level.
The young defenseman has developed into a strong option for a franchise looking to shake loose of a brutal stretch of futility.
Anthony Stolarz
Does Edison, NJ count as a local connection? The Flyers drafted Anthony Stolarz in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He has put together a solid professional track record although he’s never been a full-time NHL starter.
Edison is closer to the New York market, but the Philadelphia area doesn’t have many options. You could bring Richter out of retirement to finalize the all-local roster. You could resort to the EBUG and start former Temple University goaltender Eric Semborski.
The local pool of talent has grown tremendously in recent seasons. However, a solid roster might not be able to compete without a full-time NHL goaltender. Stay tuned for the next Richter.
