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Observing the Flyer's preseason

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Frankie
October 7, 2022 (0:55)

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The 2022-2023 preseason has ended for the Philadelphia Flyers and there was a lot of things to take away from it. Despite a 1-5 record, the Flyers had some positive things to take away from the 6 games played. As a whole, lots of mixed emotions on certain players and situations. From what started out as a potentially good preseason having won the first game, the Flyers ended up with an awful record. Is this a sign of things to come? Let's talk about a few of those things.

The Goaltending Situation-Who is the backup?

Carter Hart is clearly the number one goaltender here, but the choice of number two is yet to be determined. The days of a certainty in backup like Brian Elliot are no longer. Felix Sandstrom, who showed he could have been the clear favorite to earn the spot, suffered an injury and a setback. An injury that gave Samuel Ersson more playing time- he certainly took advantage of it.

Samuel Ersson on being in the mix for the backup position

"In the end, it's Coaches' decision. All I can do is go out there and make it a tough decision for Coach to not put me in there."

He finished the preseason with a .950 Save Percentage, while stopping 57 shots out of 60� Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) October 5, 2022

Now with the Sandstrom injury and Ersson playing well. I think it's clear who will be the number two goaltender for the start of the season.

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Healthy Players and Not so healthy players

Seeing Kevin Hayes back is a great thing. The obstacles that stood in his way were some that most could not come back from. Include a season ending injury on top of it. Having Kevin Hayes back is important but having a fully healthy Kevin Hayes is essential at this point. He has shown that has potential to have a great year, assisting on an Owen Tippet goal in the finale and scoring one of his own in his first game of the preseason. With that being said, the Flyers suffered some devastating injuries as well. Flyers top player Sean Courtier suffered a major injury. At first being out for the entire year, a second opinion shows that he may play. An update on Flyers Defenseman Ryan Ellis, he will not play this season.

Kevin Hayes to Owen Tippett!!! 2-2. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/tIaWO7Vv6s� Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) October 5, 2022

Playing the Kids but not all of them

Coach John Tortorella said it better than anyone, he was going to play the kids. Guys like Wade Allison and others who still remain with the team will get their shot with the big club. Some players were not so lucky, a big surprise to some was when Flyers young forward and defenseman were sent back to Lehigh Valley. Tyson Foerster who had an incredible World Juniors and brought home gold, healthy as ever and ready to play. He did not make the club and will report to the Phantoms. Cam York, who played 30 games with the Flyers last season, a player who looked like he was a shoe in did not make it. Torts is on record saying how York just did not put enough effort in. A huge shock around the Philadelphia area.