After the Lehigh Valley Phantoms won the longest game in AHL history this past season, you could notice the jubilation on Alex Lyon’s face. He was happy, relieved, and gosh darn it believe it or not ready to go following his 94 save performance, “Can’t forget that,” Lyon said (Laughing). “Got a lot of experience (Laughing), conditioning as well, and that helps me today.”
Lyon hoped he gained enough recognition with his stellar play in the AHL playoffs to secure the backup Goaltending position for the Flyers for the 2018-19 season. He showed up a month prior to the opening of Flyers Training Camp. Lyon hoped to get to know some of the training staff, as well as, remaining in tip top condition for the rigors that camp and the pre-season would present.
“This is my third Summer working out here for the whole Summer. Obviously, they provide excellent training, and getting to know the whole staff, becoming close with those guys. It’s kind of just getting the lay of the land for Training Camp. It’s a positive thing.”
Lyon knew what was ahead of him for this upcoming season. He knew that there was a log jam at the Goaltending position. Even with the log jam Lyon still remained positive that he would be able to backup Brian Elliott.
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The young netminder in Lyon produced solid numbers last season for the orange and black when called upon. He was 4-2-1 with a 2.75 GAA in 11 games played. Was he flashy? No, but Lyon got the job done, and that’s one main reason he stays positive with a position hopefully in the NHL.
“I’m trying to keep the same mindset as always, which is trying to work as hard as you can, stop as many pucks as you can. When you keep it simple like that good things happen.”
Lyon continued, “Obviously, the goal is to be in the NHL. That’s been the goal the last 25 years. Right now I’m taking it one day at a time. I’ve had a bad habit of getting too far ahead of myself in the past. That’s a dangerous recipe, and it doesn’t yield the best results. Just focused on stopping as many pucks as you can.”
Could Lyon beat out Michal Neuvirth for the backup Goaltending position? Absolutely. In the NHL no job is safe, and with the Goaltending conundrum the Flyers have found themselves, anything is possible. No door is closed until the top brass of the organization say it is. Lyon will continue to use his family as a backbone for his success, as he leaves us with this message :
“My mom is my biggest fan, and my parents watch every game. There always curious as to what’s going on. I think it’s important to use them as a bouncing board, so they can be on one side or the other. They’re like me, keep it even-steven, and even keel. They instilled that into me at a young age. I’m very appreciative of that.”
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
