The Flyers made a short-term bet on Dan Vladar, a career backup, and it’s paying off early in the season.
Through the first three games, the Flyers’ goaltending has been a net positive, no longer dragging the team down.
Advanced metrics like Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) show significant improvement compared to last season.
Coach Rick Tocchet plans to rotate Vladar and Ersson to see who takes the lead role.
Why This Matters: Improved goaltending could translate to a playoff spot, or at least competitive games late into the season, something Flyers fans haven't seen in a while.
The Flyers’ goaltending woes have been a persistent issue, but this season, there’s a glimmer of hope. The acquisition of Dan Vladar and the development of Samuel Ersson have created a tandem that is performing above expectations. Vladar, in his first two starts, has a .933 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average. Ersson, in his single game, saved 35 of 39 shots against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) is a key metric highlighting this improvement. Last season, the Flyers had three of the worst goaltenders in the NHL based on GSAx. This season, both Vladar and Ersson have positive GSAx ratings early on. Even if they maintain a neutral GSAx throughout the season, it could significantly impact the team’s overall performance.
Historically, the Flyers’ poor goaltending has directly correlated with their inability to make the playoffs. A neutral or slightly positive goaltending performance, combined with even a marginal improvement in the power play, could propel the Flyers into playoff contention.
The Flyers are currently rotating Vladar and Ersson to determine who will take the lead role. This approach allows both goalies to showcase their abilities and gives the team flexibility based on performance and matchups.
Q: Who are the current goalies for the Flyers?
The Flyers have Dan Vladar and Samuel Ersson as their primary goalies.
Q: How has the Flyers’ goaltending improved this season?
Early metrics like save percentage and Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) show significant improvement compared to last season.
Q: What is the Flyers’ plan for their goalies?
Coach Rick Tocchet plans to rotate Vladar and Ersson to see who establishes themselves as the lead goalie.
The Flyers’ improved goaltending is a promising sign for the season.
Key metrics suggest a significant turnaround in goaltending performance.
The Vladar-Ersson tandem could provide the stability the Flyers have lacked in recent years.
Keep an eye on the Flyers’ performance and goaltending stats as the season progresses.
Do you think the Flyers’ improved goaltending will lead to a playoff spot? Let us know your thoughts!
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