PHILADELPHIA — Samuel Ersson’s impressive goaltending was the cornerstone of the Philadelphia Flyers’ 1-0 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday. Ersson’s 33 saves were crucial in extending the Flyers’ point streak to eight games, marking their longest streak since February-March 2020.
Cam York scored the lone goal for Philadelphia (17-10-3), which has gone 6-0-2 in its last eight games. York highlighted the team’s strong defensive performance, praising Ersson for limiting the Red Wings’ scoring opportunities.
Ville Husso, in goal for Detroit (15-11-4) after replacing the injured Alex Lyon, made 18 saves. The Red Wings are experiencing a rough patch, with their fifth loss in the last six games (1-4-1). Coach Derek Lalonde pointed to a lack of execution and a need to revitalize their offense following this defeat and a previous 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Ersson, starting his third consecutive game in Carter Hart’s absence due to illness, has been a revelation for the Flyers. With a 6-0-1 record, a 1.93 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage in his last seven starts, Ersson has been a key factor in the Flyers’ recent success.
York’s goal at 6:21 of the first period was fortuitous, as his centering pass intended for Sean Couturier deflected off Red Wings forward J.T. Compher. York described the play as well-executed, a result of pre-game planning with teammate Travis Konecny.
The Red Wings had opportunities to level the score but failed to capitalize on their three power-play chances, including two in the second period. The intense schedule, with seven games in 12 days, has been a challenge for Detroit, as Lalonde acknowledged the team’s need to dig deeper and accumulate points despite the difficult stretch.
NOTES:
- Further information on Lyon’s injury is expected on Sunday.
- Red Wings forward Robby Fabbri was cut in the face by a hit from Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen but returned to the game.
- Konecny recorded his 200th NHL assist and has eight points in his past six games.
- Compher returned to the lineup after missing five games due to an upper-body injury.
- Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim, a key player with 21 points this season, was a late scratch due to illness.
The Flyers will look to extend their point streak, while the Red Wings aim to bounce back in their upcoming games.
