It was just over a year ago, and Sam Ersson was feeling some national pride knowing he’d be on the Swedish roster when the 4 Nations Face-Off took place in mid-February. In the three games leading up to the National Hockey League break for the international tournament, Ersson, the then Flyers starting goaltender, laid claim to three consecutive games where he had over a .900 save percentage. He lost a 2-0 decision to Colorado, making 30 of 32 stops. The following game, Ersson was sensational, stopping 39 of 42 shots against host (and pre-Mammoth) Utah in a 3-2 overtime loss. Finally, he got a victory at home against Pittsburgh, stopping 31 of 33 in a 3-2 regulation win. He was heading into the tournament strong.
During the tournament, Sweden fared okay but weren’t the team to beat, especially given the depth and talent Teams Canada and the USA had. But Ersson did earn a victory in the lone game he started, stopping 32 of 33 shots (.970 save percentage) in an impressive appearance defeating the United States 2-1 in the round-robin portion. Perhaps the goaltender could ride that wave of self-confidence and boost himself into being the Flyers starter not just by default but on merit.
Well, that didn’t work out so well. Despite three games over that .900 marker in the three consecutive games before the tournament, Ersson managed to get to or over that measuring stick just five times the rest of the season, including in his last two games in April. The rest of the games were just, well, poor. Most starts ended up with him roughly stopping four out of five shots. Sometimes it was even less than that, including being pulled early after giving up three on five shots to Calgary on March 4. Whatever it was, Ersson’s 4 Nations Face-Off one-off was possibly his highlight in 2024-25. He certainly didn’t have many (if any) with the Flyers.
So, with news last week that Ersson wouldn’t be on the Swedish roster when the upcoming Winter Olympics take place in Milano/Cortina, it might be disappointing to Ersson. But it could end up being the catalyst for a better second half for the goaltender who is now essentially the back up. Don’t let Travis Konecny or any of the Flyer players tell you otherwise. Dan Vladar is Philadelphia’s go-to goaltender in key games. Ersson is also important but no longer the guy.
What the time off should do
Last season, Ersson didn’t really have a mid-season break like most of the National Hockey League collective. Whether it was interviews, practices, games or just other off-ice requirements for the tournament, Ersson was busy. He had no real huge amount of down time despite just playing the one game against the United States. Now, with about three weeks off (20 days actually) from Philadelphia’s Feb. 5 game against Ottawa and their next contest Feb. 25 against Washington, Ersson should be able to have time to rest and, perhaps more importantly, clear his head. He’s not been terrible like he was a good chunk of last season. But he’s had multiple games this year where that one extra save at a key time in regulation wasn’t there. Through 15 appearances prior to Tuesday’s game against Anaheim, Ersson has four games where that magic number for capable NHL goaltending (.900 save percentage) has been matched or surpassed, the last being just before Christmas where the Flyers beat Chicago 3-1. The fact he has helped the team earn points in two-thirds of his 15 starts (6-5-4) despite an .868 save percentage is rather remarkable.
Another aspect to the conversation is there’s a decent chance Dan Vladar is going to end up as part of Team Czechia’s Olympic roster. So, in short, Vladar isn’t going to get that rest or downtime, which could be pivotal down the stretch when the games seem to matter a bit more and the playoff race tightens. Having Ersson rested at least gives Philadelphia one goaltender who should have something left in the tank in late March and through April. That becomes even more important given Vladar has 24 starts this year compared to 30 in Calgary all of last year. Nobody is saying Vladar can’t play 45 to 47 games this season. There’s just no concrete evidence to support that. If the Flyers have to go all in with Ersson starting the majority of games the rest of the way due to a Vladar injury, it’s a safe bet they’re probably screwed. But putting that aside, knowing he’ll have three weeks to refocus should be a plus for Ersson and the team.
At this rate, one would expect Ersson to be used around the same amount the second half of the season as he was the first half. Unless he gets on an incredible roll (or Vladar gets hurt), it’s a safe bet that Ersson will be used more in relief, especially during back-to-back games or in situations where Vladar is going to need the rest. And with every game important in such a condensed schedule, Ersson is going to have to hit that .900 mark more often than not for Philadelphia to keep its current playoff seeding.
Snub a plus?
With Team Sweden going a different direction without Ersson, it might putting a chip on his shoulder also. Ersson doesn’t seem to be the sort to ruffle feathers or rock the boat, particularly given a national team in international competition. So he will say the right things regarding not making the club. But he’s probably got a bit more oomph or motivation to prove them wrong the rest of the season. And that notion could be a huge boost for Philadelphia. A player with an axe to grind or to simply prove their worth, especially in a crucial position like goal, could pay dividends down the stretch. Ideally the saves he makes in the shootouts continue. Yet, if he makes more saves in the first 60 minutes, it’ll be great for the Flyers, especially when they still only have 14 regulation wins.
Ersson has the 45th best record, the 45th best goals-against average, and the 59th best save percentage in the league. Those are rather low numbers even for a backup goaltender. If he can stack some games together where he rivals Vladar’s output and play, it’ll be the best of both worlds for Philadelphia. Being rejected from your national team just a year after playing for them at the same level should be rubbing Ersson the wrong way. Here’s hoping that rejection stokes a fire inside him that sees his play and overall numbers improve.
