Look. No one cares about backup goalies when you have Carter Hart who can average a .907 save percentage playing 55 games per season on a team that lacks any and all defensive acuity. However, when one backup goaltender exhibits far more composure than the other, but the uncomposed one gets the nod for the season, there’s reason to have a discussion about backup goalies. In fact, the conversation becomes flatly infuriating, particularly in light of other various managerial decisions that were made as the year progressed.
It might seem like an overreaction, but Felix Sandstrom deserved not a single minute of his playing time. Halfway through the season there was a Battle of the Swedes. Sandstrom and Sam Ersson were each offered opportunities in net when Carter Hart suffered an injury in mid January, and Sandstrom was unquestionably outshined by his younger colleague.
Sandstrom played in 20 games for the Flyers, finishing with an .880 save percentage which ranks 95th in save percentage among all goalies. You might be thinking to yourself, “How does he compare to other goalies who played in a similar quantity of games (i.e. other backups)?” Great question. Among goaltenders who played in at least 20 games, Sandstrom finished third-to-last, ahead of only Elvis Merzlikins (30 games at .876) and Spencer Martin (29 games at .871). It is mind-boggling that someone looked at Sandstrom’s performance and said, “Yea, this guy’s got what it takes.”
To be fair, Sandstrom clearly has a decent level of skill, and he’s been in the pipeline for a couple more years than Ersson. Sandstrom also couldn’t be sent down to the AHL without clearing waivers, which is, no doubt, the excuse for keeping him up. Yet, here’s my question: Who cares?
Immediately after sending Ersson down, John Tortorella famously said, “It’s part of the business, and it’s not just waivers. [Ersson] needs to get some minutes. He missed a lot last year with his injury. [The AHL is] a great league — goaltender right on through — as far as getting minutes. It’s part of the process for him.”
Sorry, Torts, but that process is asinine. Exhibit A: Felix Sandstrom played 44 games in the AHL in 2021-22, averaging a .902 save percentage, and that playing time clearly didn’t prepare him for NHL action.
Sam Ersson appeared in 12 games this season, and while both Ersson’s and Sandstrom’s workloads are small sample sizes, they still mean something, right? In contrast to Sandstrom, Ersson averaged an .899 save percentage, and in fact, if you were to remove from the calculation the one strange game against the New Jersey Devils in which John Tortorella refused to pull Ersson even though he gave up seven goals, Ersson’s save percentage would jump up to .910, which is on par with Carter Hart.
No, I’m not saying that Sam Ersson is Carter Hart. That would be ridiculous. The point is rather that the Powers That Be elected to ice Felix Sandstrom this season, even if only for 20 games, and such a decision is entirely indefensible. Do we really think someone would have claimed him off of waivers? And if so, do we really care? Sandstrom didn’t deserve the spot, and even after having been given the spot, he didn’t make the most of his opportunity.
Three Questions
Did they live up to expectations?
Absolutely not. In fact, the rumors would indicate that the coaches and management had high hopes for Sandstrom, which is likely why he was given the job. Sandstrom didn’t just miss the mark; he was never even within reach of the mark.
What can we expect from next season?
By now, I’m sure you can tell that I want no part of Felix Sandstrom next season, and I admit that I’m probably being too harsh. In reality, Sandstrom will probably get another shot next year, and for his sake, I really hope he takes full advantage. Perhaps more regular playing time would help him to get in a rhythm, though such regularity is far from guaranteed in this league. Do some work in the offseason, Felix. Gain back Tortorella’s trust, and show this team that you’re reliable.
How do we grade their 2022-23 season?
This one isn’t a surprise.
Grade: F
