Making Sense of the Flyers Crowded Crease

By Jeff Quake, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

For the Philadelphia Flyers, the goaltending situation continues to get complicated.

There are a number of questions that surround the Flyers goaltending lineup now and in the future.

Will Michal Neuvirth be moved and Alex Lyon brought up as back up for instance?

How far away is Carter Hart?

What about Anthony Stolarz' future with all his injuries?

Both Brian Elliott and Neuvirth’s contracts will expire after this upcoming season. Lyon has shown promise and that he can play in the NHL, in a small sample at the top level. Stolarz is returning from two surgeries to repair a torn meniscus. Hart has won the Del Wilson Trophy, given to the WHL's best goaltender, as well as the Four Broncos Trophy, awarded to the Most Valuable Player overall in the WHL.

For the Flyers, they have plenty of options for goalies. Here is an early look at what the Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms goalie duos could look like next year:

Neither Elliott nor Neuvirth is the long-term answer for the Flyers. They need a goalie to build around for years to come. That's where Hart comes in.

However, the team’s No. 1 goaltending prospect is not quite ready for the NHL. Goaltenders take the longest to properly develop in all of hockey.

It is more likely that Neuvirth would leave Philadelphia before Elliott, but either way, the team needs a veteran goaltender to still be on the roster by the time that Hart arrives. For obvious reasons, a veteran goaltender like Elliott would be very helpful to help mentor Hart and show him the ropes in order to become a better NHL goalie.

In 22 games played, 18 of them starting, Neuvirth was 9-7-3 with a 2.60 GAA and a .915 save percentage. Elliott saw more action by playing in 43 games and starting 42 of them. He had a record of 23-11-7 in his first season with the Orange and Black. “Moose” also posted a 2.66 GAA and a .909 save percentage.

As for Lyon, he could realistically be the backup in Philadelphia for the short-term while the Flyers await their future goalie. He started seven games, played in 11 and held a record of 4-2-1 with a 2.75 GAA and a .905 save percentage. With the Phantoms, he performed well with a 16-8-2 record, a 2.65 GAA, and a .915 save percentage in 27 games played.

The 2018 NHL Draft will be held in Dallas this weekend and the Flyers have two first-round picks. They could look to move one of them, along with Neuvirth, for a quality winger, or higher first-round pick.

If you are looking for a reason as to why Lyon could be the newest backup for Philadelphia, it is because of his strong performances during his call-up and more recently in the Calder Cup Playoffs, especially in a five-overtime, 94-save performance in 2-1 victory over the Charlotte Checkers in the second round. Not only that, but it helps when your teammates have confidence in you as well between the pipes.

Stolarz saw limited action late in the season with the Flyers ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals, with a 1-1 record and a 3.02 GAA and a .902 save percentage and 0-1 with the Phantoms in a tough rehab game posting a 6.08 GAA and a .829 save percentage.

As for Hart and his potential to be the Flyers future No. 1 goalie, look no further than his previous season with Everett.

Heading into the Rogers WHL Championship Series, Hart was a seven-time recipient of the WHL Goaltender of the Week award — 16 in his career — and four-time recipient of the WHL Goaltender of the Month award in the 2017-18 season. The 6'2", 185-pound goaltender had a 12-3-1-1 record, and was second in the postseason with a 2.44 GAA, .922 save percentage and two shutouts.

Hart was named a First-Team All-Star and received his second CHL Goaltender of the Year award. This season, he was also the WHL's Most Valuable Player as well. He is a three-time recipient of the Silvertips Most Valuable Player award and carries a lifetime record of 116-46-10-2 with a .927 save percentage, 2.01 GAA and 26 career shutouts in 190 games, all with the Silvertips. He is the franchise goaltending leader in wins (116) and is tied for the WHL all-time lead in shutouts (26).

"Carter’s work ethic and natural ability have opened the door for these well-deserved honors," Everett head coach Dennis Williams said in an article on the Silvertips website. "We are extremely proud of the results he has produced, and the dedication he demonstrates every day. He approaches every day like a pro."

Hart also helped Canada capture the gold medal at this season’s World Junior Championship tournament in Buffalo.

For now, it is up to GM Ron Hextall with what he wants to do regarding the goaltending situation. Regardless, this upcoming Friday in Dallas will certainly present an opportunity to get creative with assets and provide a clearer picture of what the roster and lineup this upcoming season could be.