The Philadelphia Flyers came away victorious on Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings with a final score of 1-0. Although only one Flyer found the back of the net, many exciting factors signal positive growth for this young team.
Samuel Ersson’s Shutout
It has finally happened. After multiple seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers have found their back-up goaltender for Carter Hart in Samuel Ersson. With Hart recovering from an illness, Ersson was given the starting nod. His performance did not disappoint. The 24-year-old netminder was a brick wall for the Flyers, stopping all 32 shots he faced in the crease and was awarded the first star of the game. Additionally, for the beginning minutes of the second period, the Red Wings were able to sustain offensive pressure, and the Flyers appeared sluggish. Ersson pulled through for his teammates and allowed for them to recover unscathed. Ersson also aided in the Flyers penalty kill, going three-for-three on the night.
Rasmus Ristolainen & Cam York
The Flyers’ defense has embraced John Tortorella’s philosophy: get in front of those shots and block them. Rasmus Ristolainen demonstrated physical play on multiple levels, blocking two shots and laying three hits. He was rewarded with 23:07 minutes of ice time by his coach. Ristolainen spoke about Tortorella’s impact on his play during his postgame interview.
“I wish I had him when I was 18 and coming into the league. It’s been fun playing for him and I feel like I’ve taken big steps under him”
– Rasmus Ristolainen from @NHLFlyers on X
Another defenseman who has taken strides for the Flyers this season is Cam York. With Travis Sanheim ill and unable to play, York stepped up in his absence. He registered the lone goal of the game and was the second star. With 23:13, he registered the highest time on ice for any Flyer that night. York also had one hit and two blocked shots.
The Offense is Alive in Other Ways Than Just Scoring
Although the defense has been strong, the offense pitched in to ensure a win against the Red Wings. Travis Konecny tallied his 200th career assist on the game’s lone goal. Konecny has been influential in the Flyers’ newfound success this season. Even after being in the league since 2016, he finds a way to get under the opponent’s skin without winding up in the penalty box, all while blocking shots and staying strong on the forecheck. He registered four shots on Saturday. When Konecny is feeling good, so are the Flyers. Another player that this rings true for is Sean Couturier. Although he was not on the score sheet, he registered six shots and blocked three.
Overall, the team blocked 21 shots. That number was dispersed across the defense and the offense, demonstrating the amount of grit this team brings to each contest.
As A Bonus: Who Got the Dog Mask?
ICYMI: The Flyers have a dog mask they award to the person they believe deserves it after a win. It is a fun way to encourage and highlight each other’s successes. Marc Staal was awarded this one, with 17:12 of ice time and one blocked shot.
ITR 35: Round One – Inside The Rink
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Fantastic article!