Philadelphia Flyers Goaltender Carter Hart will be stepping back from the Orange and Black for an unknown amount of time, according to General Manager Daniel Briere. The statement was released today at 4:00 p.m. EST.
“The club will have no further comment at this time,” stated Briere.
@NHLFlyers on X
First and foremost, the hope is that Hart is okay mentally and physically. He is human first and an athlete second.
From a hockey lens, this is a blow to the Flyers’ goalie tandem. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, Hart averaged 2.80 goals against per game, posted a .906 save percentage, and earned one shutout. His record is 12-9-3. The hope is that Sam Ersson can continue to play at a high-caliber level. He is currently averaging 2.36 goals against per game, holding a .909 save percentage, and has earned three shutouts.
In the wake of this news, Cal Petersen has been recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to serve as backup for Ersson. Peterson’s holds a 5-8-3 record with the Phantoms. He also has a .890 save percentage and is averaging 3.29 goals against per game.
Additionally, Owen Tippett has been placed on injury reserve, per @NHLFlyers on X. His absence will surely be felt. The right-winger has 18 goals and 12 assists, totaling 30 points this season.
The announcement comes three days after the Flyers fell to the Avalanche on a back-to-back stint at home. Hart allowed five goals in his start.
The Flyers take on the Lightning tonight at the Wells Fargo Center at 7 p.m.
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From a Devils Fan, I pray he is ok and I hope it isn’t a Robin Lehner situation. If it is, it’s really nice to see Philly treating Hart properly, unlike Buffalo did with Lehner. Lehner awesomely came back to become a legend Buffalo wish they’d held on to!! Wish Carter the best!