Storyline: I think I have a solution to the Flyers’ chronic goaltending problems. But it’s not an overnight fix. Fans will need to be patient.
The Philadelphia Flyers have had issues with goaltending ever since the great Bernie Parent left the net. Pelle Lindbergh, Ron Hextall, and John Vanbiesbrouck have all defended the cage while wearing the Orange and Black since then, but not a single Stanley Cup has been hoisted in Phily since Parent did it in the mid ’70s.
The great Bernie Parent (photo, Sports Illustrated)
Goaltending problems include injury, poor trades, contract failures, and even the tragic death of Pelle Lindbergh. Since Parent’s departure, 42 goaltenders have played in Philadelphia.
So when will issues be addressed? How can they be fixed?
Currently, the Philadelphia Flyers have two netminders on the roster, Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth. Both have had decent careers; they are solid goaltenders. But they also have their share of problems, including inconsistency and injury.
Let’s evaluate Steve Mason. Mason was acquired on April 3, 2013 from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Michael Leighton and a third-round pick. It’s clear that Philadelphia won the trade, but they still don’t have much to show for it. In his first full season in Philadelphia, Mason went 33-18-7 with a .917 save percentage and four shutouts. He led the team to the playoffs that year, but the Flyers didn’t make it very far.
Since then he is is 58-54-27 with 9 shutouts (as of 3/1/17). Those aren’t bad numbers, but his performance is game-to-game. He’ll win three with a shutout and then lose five in a row.
Michal Neuvirth (photo, Philly.com)
Czech-born Michal Neuvirth, a nine year vet, has played for four teams over his career, including a six-year stint in Washington. Neuvirth came to Philadelphia on July 1, 2015 on a two-year contract, which expires at the end of this season.
Neuvirth a solid goaltender, who has battled injuries throughout his career, seems to have lost his touch since his days with the Capitals. Since arriving in Philadelphia he has gone 50-28-17 with a .910 save percentage and three shutouts (as of 3/1/17)
When Neuvirth is on his game he’s an unbelievable netminder. For example, in a game against the Minnesota Wild last season Neuvirth made a diving goal line save in the dying seconds of the game. But even though he can make a stunning save, Neuvirth is inconsistent.
Keeping those two goalies isn’t going to work. One option is to bring up promising goalies from the Flyers’ farm system.
The good news is that Philly has four or five good goaltending prospects in that system. One of them is 23-year old NJ native, Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz has spent three seasons playing for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers minor league affiliate. Stolarz made his NHL debut this season while Neuvirth was sidelined with an injury.
In three seasons in the AHL Stolarz is 42-38-11 with a .909 save percentage. He stands at an unbelievable 6’6.” That astonishing size gives him the ability to cover up a lot of the net as his long legs help cover the bottom of the net.
Anthony Stolarz (photo, Morning Call)
While up with Philly Stolarz went 2-0-0, including a road shutout against the Detroit Red Wings. In four games total, he has gone 90 for 96, allowing only 6 goals. That’s impressive for a young goaltender.
Another prospect is Canadian-born Carter Hart. Hart was drafted by Philadelphia in Round Two of the 2016 Entry Draft. At only 18 years of age, Hart is putting up phenomenal numbers for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips. Since 2013-14 he has gone 80-37-11 with a .920 save percentage and 18 shutouts.
Hart was also the starting goaltender for Team Canada in the World Juniors last year, earning the Silver Medal after losing to Team USA in the Final. Hart is one of the most promising goaltending prospects in the NHL. Hopefully he’ll make a huge impact when he finally arrives.
So what should the Flyers do?
One of the current goaltenders needs to go, most likely Steve Mason. When that happens (perhaps as soon as the trade deadline), Philly needs to call up Stolarz and give him a permanent spot on the roster. The goaltending duo at that point would be Neuvirth and Stolarz.
Neuvirth will probably sign a two-year extension and the Flyers will let him stay until that expires. By that time Stolarz should be able to establish himself as a respectable starter. After letting Neuvirth go, the Flyers need to call up Carter Hart.
Carter Hart (photo, Broad Street Hockey/Getty Images)
By that time Hart will probably have spent one or two years in Lehigh Valley and he should be ready for the big time. The goaltnding situation at that point will be Stolarz and Hart.
So, Flyer fans, I think the key to fixing the problem is giving it a bit more time and having a little more patience. The problem, of course, is that Philadelphians aren’t known for patience.
This time they need to adjust. #trusttheprocess.
