December 17, 2018
The Flyers finally did it. After week, nay, years of anticipation and pontification, there is a big change coming to the Orange and Black in South Philly.
No, they didn't fire their head coach Dave Hakstol. Not yet anyway. But they officially said "enough is enough" on Monday and optioned goalie prospect Carter Hart to the NHL.
The #Flyers have recalled goaltender Carter Hart from the @LVPhantoms. In addition, the club has placed goaltender Anthony Stolarz on Injured Reserve. https://t.co/P6asgsZ9Xg
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 17, 2018
Hart, of course, has some heavy weights on his shoulders at just 20-years-old. The former second round pick has been called a possible savior at the Flyers' worst position for two years now.
He started awfully slow in Lehigh Valley and has a 3.07 goals against average. In his most recent start up there, he allowed four goals — but had allowed just five in his prior four games combined, including his first shutout of his professional career. In all, he played in 17 games for the Phantoms, with a record of 9-5-2 and a .901 save percentage.
The soon-to-be rookie will likely be thrown into the fire right away, as the club has sent Alex Lyon down.
Alex Lyon was also sent to the AHL so that would insinuate Hart would make his NHL debut tomorrow with Michal Neuvirth as his backup.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) December 17, 2018
Or it could be for this reason:
I’m guessing Carter Hart makes his NHL debut Tuesday against visiting Detroit in an attempt to reduce the chants to fire the coach. #Flyers
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) December 17, 2018
Hart will be the Flyers sixth goalie of the year to hit the ice in their 32nd game, a really high number by NHL standards. His save percentage and GAA would place him second of the six (behind injured Brian Elliott).
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