The 25-year-old from Falun stopped all 23 shots on goal. An important effort for the team's psyche, according to Philadelphia's coach.
Sam made some big saves at crucial moments, says Tortorella.
Ersson stopped, among other things, a dangerous shot from a free Elias Lindholm, after a series of nice Boston passes through Philadelphia's defense.
Saved on the goal line
A few minutes into the third period, Boston's captain Brad Marchand was very close to equalizing. He got the puck in front of the goal from a position behind the net, via Ersson's skate. The puck was about to slide into the goal, but the Swede quickly threw himself backwards and saved with his glove on the goal line.
Ottawa's goalie Linus Ullmark also played a great game when St Louis was defeated 8–1. The 31-year-old made 26 saves and kept a clean sheet for almost 50 minutes, but then let in a puck in a numerical disadvantage. St Louis' Philip Broberg was involved and was credited with an assist.
Several Swedish goals
Another Swede who contributed tonight was Leo Carlsson, who started the scoring for Anaheim when New York Islanders were defeated 3–1.
Fabian Zetterlund and William Eklund were both involved in San Jose's 4–2 win over Los Angeles, with one goal each. Zetterlund scored 2–1 in the third period and Eklund scored the final goal in an open net.
In the match between Pittsburgh and Minnesota, Pittsburgh's Swedish forward Rickard Rakell scored two goals. But it didn't help, it ended 3–5 and a win for Minnesota, despite being away.
