Ersson, Petersen, or Sandstrom. Who’s The Backup?
We’re two games into the Flyers preseason and so far we have seen all three guys competing for the backup job. Cal Petersen and Felix Sandstrom played in Mondays game against the Devils. While Sam Errson and Felix Sandstrom played in Wednesday’s game against the Islanders.
Monday’s game was ugly for Cal Petersen as he allowed four goals in the first period. Sandstrom came in during the second half of the game and allowed two goals.
Wednesday’s game saw Sam Errson have a pretty solid showing only allowing one goal on 13 shots. Sandstrom saw six shots allowing just the one goal.
The biggest question coming into this season is who will be the backup to Carter Hart. Last season the backup role was split between Errson and Sandstrom. With the offseason addition of Petersen it’s a three way race between these guys. Errson and Sandstrom may have the edge having been here last year and so far played well in the first two games. Petersen struggled in his lone start and will hope to bounce back in his next outing. They do play in Boston tomorrow night and I would expect him to possibly see some time in net. If not in Friday nights game, possibly at home Saturday against the Devils.
Based off what we have seen during camp and in the preseason games, Cal Petersen is going to have a lot of work to do to steal that backup role. If Errson and Sandstrom continue to have strong performances, the only reason Petersen would make the team would be if the Flyers were really trying to tank.
Obviously, I do not see that happening but hey ya never know. During his press conference today John Tortorella spoke highly about Errson and it seems like he might have the inside edge as the backup to start the season. Especially, based off his performances from last year it would make sense that Errson is the favorite.
With only four preseason games left it will become clear over the next few games who is slotted to be the Flyers backup goaltender to start the season.
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-Walsh