Pluses and Minuses From the Flyers Preseason

Flyers’ Goaltending

PLUS: Carter Hart looked very solid in the preseason. At this point he looks healthy and unaffected by any lingering ghosts from seasons past. If Hart can maintain this level of play, look for the Flyers to make the playoffs.

PLUS: The Flyers look to have a very solid pair of prospects in Sandstrom and Ersson. Sandstrom looked every bit the athletic keeper we have read about for years and looks very close to NHL ready.  Ersson was also impressive in his limited work. He looked a little slow tracking passes when short handed, but did not look at all out of place in his first action in North America.  Regardless of Hart’s circumstance the Flyers have at least two viable NHL caliber goaltenders in the system.

MINUS: Martin Jones did not looked sharp in the preseason. While he did turn in a strong effort in a 3-1 victory against the Capitals, it was done against a lineup sans Ovechkin, Carlson and Wilson. Jones is a large goalie who focuses on technique and angles to make saves. The more cerebral nature of his game makes him an ideal backup, who does not necessarily need heavy minutes to stay sharp.

But, at this point, Jones does not appear to be a confident goalie. When he is rolling, he stays on top of shooters, challenging them at the top of his crease. Jones has played deep in the crease, which has opened up holes under the cross bar in the corners which the opposition is exploited.  Jones needs to right the ship, as at present both Sandstrom and Ersson look sharper.

Jones is a reclamation project, who will have to be rebuilt piece by piece. It begs the question, does this put even more pressure on Hart?