New York. Swedish goaltenders in the NHL continue to shine.
Last night, Samuel Ersson kept a clean sheet in Philadelphia’s win over Long Island — and then stopped all of the Islanders’ penalty kicks as well.
– Big moment for me, says 24-year-old Mas after the 1-0 win.
Just like they say, things go fast in hockey sometimes.
Just a month ago, as the Flyers crushed Anaheim one goal after another at Wells Fargo Stadium, Samuel Ersson was booed by his own fans after the simplest of saves.
Last night, the same young man was happily roasted in the bars of the City of Brotherly Love.
Because it was the 24-year-old from Fallon who led the Orange-Black to a 1-0 win over the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.
He stopped 25 shots and kept his second clean sheet in his NHL career – thus also stopping all of the home team’s attempts during the final shootout.
– It’s big for me, especially facing a goalkeeper like Ilya Sorokin on the other side. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and to be able to compete against him feels like a big moment, Sami said during a press conference in the dressing room.
“It was really good”
He made several really advanced saves – not least during a wild stretch when the home team created big chances.
– As a goalkeeper, you have a great opportunity to be a “game changer” during extra time, and I love those moments, he says.
– Above all, I try to keep calm, stand on my feet, and not overreact.
Hot-headed coach John Tortorella nodded in agreement.
– I think Ersson was really good tonight, he was calm.
