Flyers goalie comments on second chance opportunity
PUBLICATION
Travis PolitakisMarch 4, 2024 (1:58 PM)
Photo credit: Philadelphia Flyers via Twitter
In professional sports, second chances don't come often for many athletes. From the infamous Wally Pipp story to Tom Brady, someone is always waiting in the wings to take your spot in times notice. When players do receive second chances, many take advantage of the opportunity and prove they belong. For Flyers goalie Felix Sandstrom, his second chance came on Saturday night and he did not the opportunity go to waste.
On Saturday night, Flyers 27-year-old Felix Sandstrom made his first NHL start of the season, after a disappointing season last season sent him to the AHL in Lehigh for a majority if this season. In his first NHL start of the year, Sandstrom led the Flyers to a win as he posted 24 saves on 26 shots with a .923 save percentage as the Flyers defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2 on Saturday night.
Sandstrom was even awarded with the underdog player of the game mask in the Flyers locker room after the win.
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After the game, Sandstrom was thankful for the opportunity and also ready for redemption and made it clear he can step into the backup goalie role if or when called upon.
«I want to be that guy. I want to be someone that can make a difference here. I'm ready for the challenge, and I'm going to do everything I can to be a big positive for this group.»
After the Flyers placed Cal Petersen on waivers after a disappointing 7-6 loss in Pittsburgh a week ago, the Flyers called up Sandstrom praying he could deliver, and so far he has. If Sandstrom can settle into that role, the Flyers won't have to make any last-ditch efforts at the deadline for a backup netminder and can focus on other areas.
Probably most impressive and important about Sandstrom's performance on Sunday, is it left a great impression on Flyers head coach John Tortorella, which can go a long way for Sandstrom's confidence, knowing the bench boss has confidence in him.
"The thing I liked about it, he closed the game out. I think that was his next step. I thought that was his struggles [sic] when we had him here last year � was closing a game out. Made some key saves at key times. I'm happy for him. He looked confident.»
Can the Flyers count on Sandstrom to help lift them into the playoffs?
Can the Flyers count on Sandstrom to help lift them into the playoffs?
| POLL | ||
4 MARS | 251 ANSWERS Flyers goalie comments on second chance opportunity Are you confident in Felix Sandstrom? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 33.9 % |
| No | 64 | 25.5 % |
| Need to see more | 102 | 40.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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