Dan Vladar Injury Scare Leaves Flyers Uncertain for Game 4
Dan Vladar was shaken up in Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Flyers still have not committed to him for Saturday. He was collided with by Bryan Rust in front of the net at Xfinity Mobile Arena, stayed in the game, and later missed practice on Thursday.
Rick Tocchet said after Wednesday's game that Vladar was banged up and did not know the extent of the injury. On Thursday, Tocchet called the absence a maintenance day and said Vladar was feeling better, but he would not commit to him being in goal for Saturday.
Rust collision at Xfinity Mobile Arena
The collision came during the Flyers' Game 3 win, a result that pushed them to a 3-0 series lead. Vladar got up, skated a bit and held his arm or wrist before remaining in the game, which was the immediate sign that he could keep going even after the contact.
That sequence matters because Vladar has stonewalled the Penguins all series, making him a central part of Philadelphia's position to close out the matchup. When he left the rink after the game and then sat out practice, the Flyers' goaltending plan for Saturday became the next item to watch.
Rick Tocchet on Vladar
Tocchet's update on Thursday was more encouraging than the one he gave Wednesday night, but it stopped short of naming a starter. He described the day as a maintenance day and said Vladar was feeling better, leaving the Flyers with a choice between sticking with their current No. 1 option or turning to Sam Ersson.
That decision carries real weight because Ersson has been strong since the Olympic break. In 9 games since then, he has a 6-1-0 record in decisions, a.912 save percentage and a 1.99 goals-against average.
Sam Ersson waiting behind Vladar
If Vladar cannot go, Ersson is the obvious fallback for Saturday. The Flyers have already built the series edge with Vladar in net, so any change would come with a different look in goal at the most important spot on the ice.
For now, the only firm update is that Vladar took the hit, finished Game 3 and then missed practice the next day. The Flyers lead 3-0, but their path to finishing the series could depend on whether their goalie is ready to return or whether Ersson gets the net instead.
