Philadelphia Flyers News

Carter Hart was originally reported as the Flyers' starter Tuesday but instead will be out due to illness as Samuel Ersson gets his fourth-consecutive start. The 24-year-old Swedish netminder has steadily improved as the season has rolled on (.930 SV% in last 9 GP), with his 7-3-2 record, .897 SV%, 2.57 GAA and two shutouts. He takes on the New Jersey Devils, who lost their previous contest 5-1 to Anaheim and are ranked seventh in the NHL in goals per game (3.48).

Sean Couturier received a maintenance day and did not practice on Monday, and will be a game-time decision ahead of Tuesday's game against the New Jersey Devils. After missing the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign, Couturier hasn't missed a step. He has points in six of his last eight games, seven total (2G / 5A), and is averaging 3.4 shots per game. If he is unable to play, Scott Laughton will likely see increased offensive deployment.

Sanheim did not play in Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings due to an illness but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. Sanheim was recently replaced by Cam York on the Flyers' top powerplay unit but has still managed to be productive, scoring five even-strength points in his last five games (2G / 3A).

Sanheim did not play in Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings due to an illness but is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils. Sanheim was recently replaced by Cam York on the Flyers' top powerplay unit but has still managed to be productive, scoring five even-strength points in his last five games (2G / 3A).

Tomasino will re-enter the Predators lineup on Friday as Luke Evangelista is expected to be a healthy scratch. The 22-year-old Tomasino has nine points (1G / 8A) in 21 games this season, averaging 12:39 time-on-ice while playing predominantly with Cole Smith and Michael McCarron

Ersson will start the third consecutive game on Saturday as Carter Hart remains out of the lineup due to an illness. Ersson has played well lately, winning five of his last six games (5-0-1) and sporting an impressive .917 SV%. Ersson and the Flyers will match up against the struggling Detroit Red Wings, who have battled a myriad of injuries lately and have lost four of their last five outings (1-3-1).

Vladar will be back between the pipes for Calgary on Thursday after conceding the start in each of the last two games to rookie Dustin Wolf. Vladar was lit up by the Avalanche his last time out, surrendering six goals on 38 shots enroute to a 6-5 defeat. He has struggled to take advantage of the extra playing time afforded to him as a result of Jacob Markstrom's injury, registering a woeful .876 SV% and a 3.76 GAA on the season. Vladar and the Flames find themselves as +125 underdogs in Minnesota on Thursday.

Ersson draws his second-straight start for the first time this season after Carter Hart (illness) was announced out Thursday. The 24-year-old Flyers backup has fought the puck most nights when between the crease this season, with his 5-3-2 record, 2.80 GAA and .883 SV%. He will host the Washington Capitals Thursday, who have won their last two games but are struggling offensively as they are 29th in the NHL in shots per game (27.9) and 30th in goals (2.48).

Despite an unflattering .885 SV% to go with a 2.78 GAA, Ersson has won four straight games, stringing together the best play of his career at the NHL level. Ersson has only allowed eight total goals on 117 shots (.932 SV%) and recorded a shutout during his four-game winning streak, a significant uptick in play after starting the season with a .830 SV% in his first five outings (1-3-1). The Flyers have won four straight but are +126 road underdogs against a Nashville Predators team that has won four of their last five (4-1-0).

Vladar was relieved by Dustin Wolf in the second period in his last start after allowing three goals on 16 shots (.813 SV%) and will return to the crease on Monday in Colorado against the Avalanche. As a whole, Vladar has been inconsistent this season, sporting an ugly 3.45 GAA and .877 SV% through eight games (4-3-1). In addition, he only has two quality starts (.250 QS%) and has been difficult to rely upon this season. The Flames are +155 road underdogs against an Avalanche team that has lost five of their last six (1-3-2).

Vladar was relieved by Dustin Wolf in the second period in his last start after allowing three goals on 16 shots (.813 SV%) and will likely return to the crease on Monday in Colorado against the Avalanche. As a whole, Vladar has been inconsistent this season, sporting an ugly 3.45 GAA and .877 SV% through eight games (4-3-1). In addition, he only has two quality starts (.250 QS%) and has been difficult to rely upon this season. The Flames are +155 road underdogs against an Avalanche team that has lost five of their last six (1-3-2).

Zegras has not played since November 7th but could return to the lineup for the Ducks on their upcoming four-game road trip. Zegras struggled to start the season but was presumably playing through his current injury, scoring only two points (1G / 1A) in 12 games. Expect Zegras to get top offensive deployment immediately when he returns to the lineup.

Drysdale has not played since October 15th due to a lower-body injury but could return to the lineup at some point during the Ducks' upcoming four-game road trip. Drysdale has struggled to stay healthy during his young NHL career, but the 21-year-old has 42 points (7G / 35A) in 115 career games and has the offensive pedigree that could make him a staple on the powerplay for the Ducks.

Cates has not played since November 25th due to a broken foot and was placed on the Injured Reserve Tuesday as the Flyers recalled Olle Lyksell. The 24-year-old Cates had gotten off to a slow start in 2023-24 with only a goal, three assists, 19 SOG, and a -3 plus/minus in 21 games prior to his injury.