Samuel Ersson, Flyers Stand Tall in Shootout, Ground Islanders’ Playoff Hopes With 4-3 Victory
Apr 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson (33) makes a save against the New York Islanders in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Flyers showed great offense and strong goaltending in today’s matinee showdown against the New York Islanders with a 4-3 win in the shootout. Going into today, the Islanders came in at seventy-nine points and were still fighting for what seemed to be a near-impossible playoff berth.
Coming off of an eight-goal win, the Flyers hoped to bring the same energy they did in New York into the Wells Fargo Center. Although far from eight goals, the Flyers continued to show potent offense and defense throughout the game.
“Red hot” Tyson Foerster led today’s scoring with two goals, continuing to show super-star talent whether he goes five-hole or backhands a shot to the roof. Overall, young Flyers are really pushing their abilities late in this season, which could be looked at heavily for the rebuild. Forwards Jakob Pelletier and Ryan Poehling each tallied a point, adding on to their current streaks, and with an assist, Noah Cates achieved his 100th NHL Point.
Ersson Shuts the Door on the Islanders
With forty shots against, Samuel Ersson showed up big with thirty-seven saves and no goals allowed in the shootout. Ever since interim head coach Brad Shaw took command behind the bench, Flyers goaltending has shined in many ways. Ersson has looked more and more comfortable and played looser than ever today against a team that has given the Flyers much trouble throughout their history in the Islanders.
Ersson makes multiple key saves in the game, regulation, overtime, or the shootout. With three possible starts left this season, Ersson hopes to make one last impression before he moves on to the offseason.
Foerster Keeps the Hot Streak Going
In Wednesday’s game against the New York Rangers, Foerster recorded his first-ever hat trick in the NHL, which now seems to be the first of many to come for the 23-year-old winger.
Foerster had two goals against the Islanders in over twenty minutes played. Although he did not have a chance at back-to-back hat tricks with the net empty, he has looked his best lately, with eight goals in his last seven games played. With that, Foerster now ties Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov for the team lead in goals this season with twenty-four.
With two twenty-goal seasons in a row, the Flyers will be looking to hold onto Tyson Foerster for a long time as a key part of the rebuild.
Konecny Struggles Continue
The former All-Star and selection for Team Canada, Konecny, has fallen into a skid ever since the start of February, as he has tallied a disappointing three goals in twenty-six games played since that time.
In today’s game against the Islanders, Konecney continued to struggle, and showed it with wide shots and poor passing. Especially since the Flyers will not be going to the Playoffs this season, this end will be very frustrating for Konecney.
Flyers Thrive Without Torts
Ever since the Flyers fired John Tortorella, they have gone 5-1. With a late bloom from Foerster, it begs the question of whether he was held back by Tortorella, being a young player in the making.
Today’s game against the Islanders perfectly showcased the speed and talent the Flyers have wanted to show all year. They were able to beat the Islanders to pucks and were able to defend them in the zone.
There are many questions on coaching for next season, but with one home game left on the schedule, the Flyers look to play their free and easy style of hockey Tuesday night against the Blue Jackets. But before that, they head North to Ottawa to take on the Senators.
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Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
