New York. New Swedish goalkeepers continue to excel in the NHL.
Last night it was Samuel Erson, the 23-year-old Philadelphia Flyers’ rookie, who made a 32-ball save for a frustrated Calgary at the Saddledome.
He played very well every time he had the chance. Coach John Tortorella says after the 4-3 victory that it is promising in the short and long term.
Linus Allmark was a huge success story in Boston, Philip Gustafson is about to take his first shovel from Marc-Andre Fleury in Minnesota and now Samuel Ersson is a hot topic of conversation among Philadelphia Flyers fans.
The 23-year-old Diamond – he grew up in Falun, but in Sweden is best known for his seasons with Brynäs – was stellar every time he got in the confidence, winning all six games he started and really shone against the Flames in Calgary last night.
In all, he stopped 32 shots and led his team to a shocking 4-3 victory.
“Samuel made crucial saves throughout the game, but above all in the beginning so we had the chance to take the lead, that was very important,” coach John Tortorella said in his post-match press conference.
– Listen, he’s played well every time he’s had the chance. This is promising in the short and long term.
Teammates try
The new Flyers-Swedish costs to be complacent, too—but it’s not to Satisfied.
– Of course I feel special that I won these six games, it’s fun, but I’m just trying to get a place in the team. All matches are big for me, smiling.
– I had to make some saves early tonight, it’s always good for a goalkeeper. Then my teammates made sure to help me out a lot, covering shots like crazy and playing great when outnumbered.
For the Flames, tonight’s loss was a huge miscalculation. They thought they were finally heading in the right direction after Saturday’s deserved win over the New York Rangers, but once again failed to put together a small streak.
– We came back from a 1-3 deficit in the third and still found a way to lose. It’s frustrating, says Mikael Backlund, who scored a goal and even played a goal.
Speaking of successful goalkeeping efforts:
Winnipeg native Conor Helbwick gave a performance worthy of a thunderous ovation at Madison Square Garden last night.
He stopped at least 50 shots and was completely the reason the Jets became the first team in a month to beat the New York Rangers in regular time.
– It’s one of the best games he’s played, says coach Rick Bowness after the 4-1 win.
Gerard Gallant, the Rangers’ wing chief, is also tipping his hat.
– We played a really good game, I’m happy with the effort, but Hellebuyck was great. The message says we have to give him credit.
Another goalkeeper who had a good night was James Reimer. He stopped 26 shots and kept a clean sheet as San Jose surprisingly beat Seattle 4-0.
– It’s fun to spoil things for others, the hero smiles.
Erik Karlsson was, of course, responsible for two more assists and now he’s up to a total of 58 – plus seventeen goals.
Seattle’s Yanni Gord answered in the game’s most memorable sequence. Straight into the tie, he managed to splash the ball into his own net.
– It was a pity, he sighs.
Can you say yes.
At the Pittsburgh Hotline, the Penguins held a 2-1 lead after two periods, but in the third the New York Islanders turned around—eventually winning 4-2.
– Say what you will about our team, but we will keep fighting until the matches are over, said top scorer Anders Lee.
The victory meant the Islanders knocked Pittsburgh off the field and finished second in the East. They definitely played four more games, but still.