It doesn't get more illustrious than The King.
It doesn't get more illustrious than The King.
We've been singing Sam Ersson's praises all season, and rightfully so. The 24-year-old has stepped up as a backup goalie in the first half of the season, and has gracefully transitioned into the role of starting goalie ever since he was suddenly thrown into the position following Carter Hart's involvement with the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault investigation.
Ersson had another standout performance against the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 21, including some monstrous saves that largely kept the Flyers in the game, which they would go on to win 3-1.
Social media, of course, was quick to react to Ersson's performance, but there was one person whose input might be a little meaningful to the Flyers' netminder.
Henrik Lundqvist, the exalted former New York Rangers goalie and Ersson's fellow Swede, spoke incredibly highly of the rookie's performance as an analyst on TNT's broadcast of the game.
"I have followed his game in recent months and I think he really took the chance," Lundqvist said. "I love the way he plays. He moves very well in the goal and uses the inside edge to get down deep so he can move quickly and with control laterally."
Lundqvist mentioned that he saw elements of his own game in the way Ersson plays, and that he's looking forward to see what Ersson accomplishes in future seasons.
"It will be exciting to see how he can help the team," he said. "He's 24 years old and has some experience to lean on if there are playoffs in the spring. I'm really happy for him."
Naturally, hearing someone he idolized growing up in Sweden give him such positive (and well-earned) feedback was a bit of a "pinch me" moment for Ersson.
"It's very honoring," he said. "It's a guy that I think all Swedish goaltenders look up to and have as a role model for the things he did in his career. Honestly, it gives you a very good feeling."
Head coach John Tortorella, who coached Lundqvist on the Rangers from 2009-2013, agreed with everything his former player said, and threw in some compliments of his own for his current No. 1 goalie.
"Couple of Swedes!" Tortorella laughed. "I watch them down there, the Swedes all hang together. Henrik's a good man and understands the position very well. I think Erss deserves it, I really do. I think he has been put in a situation, and how he's handled himself so young in his career—I think he's done a terrific job.
"I didn't hear Henrik's comments. You know me, with Sam, I think his mindset and mental toughness is a huge plus for him. I'm not sure if Hank talked about that; Hank was probably talking about stuff I don't even know about. It's good to hear. For me, I'm glad. For Erss, even better. I'm sure Erss looked up to that guy, as he should've, as far as the way Hank handled himself and the type of career he had. That's really good stuff for players to hear."
Related: John Tortorella Compares Konecny to Former Blue Jackets Star