Carter Hart Wins Debut for Flyers

With the injuries to nearly every other goalie in the Philadelphia Flyers organization, the team turned to 20-year old Carter Hart for help. He received a huge cheer when he took the ice, and the fans went crazy for his first save.

Carter Hart said he had a laugh when he got nearly a standing ovation for making his first save in the first period. "It was funny. Was just a toe save and they're going nuts. It was pretty cool to see."

— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) December 19, 2018

The truth is, Philadelphia has been salivating at the thought of Hart since he was listed as one of the best junior goaltenders ever. The fact that he’s here at just 20-years old makes him the savior. Hart has the weight of the entire franchise on his shoulders, from now until he retires.

The Flyers, rallying in front of their young goalie, were determined not to let Hart get shelled in his first NHL game. They allowed almost zero dangerous shots and went into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead.

One period into Carter Hart’s Philly career and he hasn’t completely disintegrated in net. Things are looking up!

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 19, 2018

The highlight of Hart’s night was a save on Dylan Larkin, who found himself plenty of room (as he always does) in the middle of the ice. Larkin stepped in, went high blocker, and Hart sent the puck into the corner.

https://twitter.com/barstooljordie/status/1075189193188540416?s=21

Things were going great, and the Flyer defense was doing a great job keeping the Red Wings out of the slot entirely— until the penalty kill struck. Dennis Cholowski took advantage of a perfect screen set in front of Hart, and from right between the faceoff dots, scored rather easily.

After Radko Gudas and Shayne Gostisbehere gave the Flyers a 3-1 lead, they stayed decently aggressive. This was not something that happened under Dave Hakstol, and the timid dump and change with a lead often led to collapses. Hart allowed one more goal, a one-timer from three feet in front of him that found the five hole.

He’d probably want that one back, but it wasn’t necessarily a soft goal. In the end, the Flyers won the game with a .909 save percentage from Carter Hart in his debut.

Carter Hart makes a save and his mom reacts accordingly 😊 pic.twitter.com/jSGxaVIufK

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) December 19, 2018

Carter Hart (20 years, 127 days) became the youngest goaltender in @NHLFlyers franchise history to win in his NHL debut and the youngest in the League to do so since Carey Price. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/E5UhjR6woE

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 19, 2018

Any time your name, as a goalie, is mentioned with Carey Price, you’re doing great things. It’s likely Hart doesn’t stay past the new year, as Elliott is looking to return in a few weeks. But, he’s given management a vote of confidence. He was composed as always and looked like he belonged in that goal. He made a big kick save with around ten seconds left before the Flyers could clear and ice the game.

Carter Hart was the first star of the game, making 20 saves and getting the win.