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The fans of Lincoln Financial Field have developed a real penchant for backup.
Except that they will see Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Acting Flyers head coach Scott Gordon made the surprising announcement following Friday's practice that Brian Elliott would be the Flyers goaltender for the Penguins Series game. Saturday night.
Gordon spent about three and a half minutes explaining his decision – a decision that will most likely provoke the "boo birds" attack that was waiting for 20-year-old Carter Hart.
"We spoke as staff this morning and again this afternoon," said Gordon, "and I looked at it from the perspective that it was all there. another game, if it was not an outdoor game, would you play (Hart) this third game in a row? I think the most important thing is that if this match had taken place at another time, we would have found the identity of the other goalkeeper. "
Many of the more than 70,000 people who plan to brave the cold and rain could buy tickets assuming Hart would be in the nets, and Gordon had listened that he had reflected on this decision from all angles and optics. the way it could appear.
Hart had a special mask created with Nick Foles on one side and Carson Wentz on the other, as well as skates, a blocker and a glove specifically designed for this outdoor game.
"The easy decision would be to choose Carter," said Gordon. "It really bothered me to make the final decision not to play against him." Two weeks ago, that seemed like the decision, and I said to Carter: "It's going to hurt," but the most it's our biggest game of the year, but when it comes to the composition decision, that's the best thing for the team. "
The rookie had conceded three goals in just about ten minutes in each of his last two starts and had been pulled in favor of Elliott, who surprisingly did a remarkable job. Tuesday's game against the Lightning was Elliott's first NHL action in three months. He blocked 22 of 23 shots.
However, the Flyers would not be up to the playoffs if there was no outstanding guard from Hart, who led the team through a series of eight consecutive wins.
Gordon's gesture is a reminder of Peter Laviolette's decision to join rookie Sergei Bobrovsky against Ilya Bryzgalov at the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park.
It was then that Bryzgalov took the initiative to reveal to the media Laviolette's decision against the wishes of his head coach.
At present, the Flyers desperately need two points to stay in the playoff race, and if they do not get a strong Elliott out and two vital points, this decision will be a decision that will not be remembered so dearly. for the rest of the season.
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