‘Just Sticking to my Game’: Sam Ersson Keeps it Simple

“I think it’s just sticking with my game is kind of like the big thing.” Said Flyers’ goaltender Sam Ersson after Tuesday’s overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings.

Ersson is on the heels of a five-game winning streak, including a shutout win over the Anaheim Ducks, back-to-back games with only one goal allowed, and a lot of poise, even after allowing early scores.

After the Flyers’ win against the Florida Panthers earlier in the month, Ersson said he has felt really good about his game since the holiday break.

Keeping it Simple is Key for Ersson

When asked what has changed in his mind since that holiday break, Ersson said he just keeps it within his own game and does not try to change much.

“A lot of the times where, if you’re not feeling like your game is there, and you try to make big changes, it’s not the way,” Ersson said. “I think sometimes it’s you say less is more, so just keep believing in it more, and I think that is what I did.” 

The mindset of Ersson has allowed him to get comfortable, but the Flyers goaltender says it is not so much mental as it is reps.

“It’s not as much of a mental, it doesn’t take as much mental energy to kind of get engaged into the games. I think it comes a little bit more natural when you play a lot,” Ersson said.

Ersson is getting that playing time. He has started eight games since the holiday break. Over that period, Ersson has gone 7-1-0 and has a save percentage of .935%. That would put Ersson at 7th in the NHL since December 28th.

Ersson and the Flyers will have the day off Wednesday before they head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers. I expect to see Ersson in net again on Thursday with the day off.