Flyers' Goaltender Struggling With Confidence

When it was announced the Flyers were sending Sam Ersson back to the AHL upon recalling Felix Sandström from his conditioning stint everyone knew it likely meant much more playing time for Carter Hart.

Even head coach John Tortorella has not made it any secret he prefers Ersson over Sandström. Charlie O'Connor of the Athletic reported in an article that when asked about his thoughts on both potential backups earlier this month, he had two very opposite views.

In regards to Ersson Tortorella said "The thing I've always said about him is -- in the short time I've known him -- I think he carries himself the right way. I think he has the right type of swagger. And when he's on the ice, I think he brings a calm presence to our team, too."

This comment is very similar to comments we've heard about Hart from various sources, Tortorella among them.


On the other hand, his quote about Sandström was much less encouraging.

"I don't know anything about the position. I want him to make a save. He needs to make more saves."

Tortorella was subtle in this specific comment about Sandström, but it's clear he's not happy with the way the goalie has a tendency to allow at least one "cheap" or "weak" goal per-game. The comment was made prior to Sandström's last start on January 22nd, and in that game against the Jets, Sandström played well... until he didn't. After the Flyers had finally come back in the third period from an extremely poor start and managed to tie the game up, Sandström allowed an extremely weak goal in the third period that would end up being the game winner. He admitted to being "stuck on a decision mid-play" that allowed the goal, and said he was "extremely disappointed in myself for that."

Sandström's style is best described as "fish out of water". He's not a positionally sound goalie like Ersson and Hart. He relies much more on his athleticism and instincts to make saves. He tends to be all over his crease, and makes more diving and "out of control" saves than either of his counter parts. It's a strategy that works for some, but not all. Sandström seems to fall in the latter group, and he's at an age where it's very likely what you see if what you get; he's pretty much fully developed in his game, and is not likely to get any better. Given the unpredictable nature of his playing style, it's possible he could actually get worse.

Unfortunately for Sandström, his "fish out of water" nature and his indecisive decision making while between the pipes does not help instill any confidence in his head coach, and he has not played since that Winnipeg game, and chances are, with Hart playing decently and only one game left until the All-Star break he likely won't see the ice again until after the break.

When he will see the ice post All-Star break is anyone's guess, but the comments regarding Ersson and Hart and their ability to be "calm" in the net make it pretty clear Tortorella has a specific vision for his goaltending tandem, and unfortunately for Sandström he doesn't quite fit the mold Torts is looking for.