Flyers’ Dan Vladar gets official injury designation for Game 4 vs. Penguins

The Philadelphia Flyers are hopeful to have Dan Vladar between the pipes when they aim to sweep the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 4 of their first round series, in what could be a very short Battle of Pennsylvania.

The 28-year-old will officially be a game-time decision for Saturday’s tilt, which is scheduled for just past 8:00 p.m. ET at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

He didn’t practice on Thursday or Friday after suffering an apparent right arm injury when he was contacted by Penguins forward Bryan Rust in the third period of Wednesday’s 5-2 win.

“It’s another maintenance day for him,” head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters, per NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman. “Two days off is going to help him. That’s basically it for him. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.”

Vladar was able to stay in Game 3 despite being seen by Philadelphia’s medical staff. He made seven saves on eight shots following the ailment to help the Flyers put the Penguins on the brink.

He has been nothing short of terrific in the series — as he was down the stretch — allowing just four total goals in three games and shutting out Pittsburgh altogether in Game 2. He’s up to a .946 save percentage in the series.

If the Czechia native is unable to suit up, it’ll be Samuel Ersson between the pipes, who has had an up-and-down season in 2025-26.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” Ersson said on Thursday, per Kimelman. “Obviously it helps building, stringing some wins together. Makes you feel better and better about your game. So obviously it helps a little bit.”

Ersson managed an .870 save percentage over 33 appearances (29 starts) for Philly this year, but, along with Vladar, he was great down the stretch. The 26-year-old was 6-1-0 in his final seven starts after the Olympic break, putting together a sparkling 1.99 GAA and .912 SV%.

Vladar’s potential absence would be more concerning if the series wasn’t tilted so much in the Flyers’ favor. With a 3-0 lead — and Game 4 at home — Ersson getting the start would both allow Vladar some rest, and help Ersson to get acclimated to the postseason.

It’ll be interesting to see if, regardless of who starts, Philadelphia is able to get the brooms out on Saturday night.

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