Hart Aches for Playoff Debut

Throughout the series of media conference calls that Flyers players have done over the past couple of weeks, two things have been crystal clear amid the uncertainty swirling over the duration of the NHL pause for the coronavirus pandemic.

First and foremost, everyone realizes that maximizing the health and safety of the public and of the players themselves must come before playing games again. Secondly, there is frustration over how what was shaping up as a special season for the team has come to an abrupt halt, and a hope that the team still gets a chance to play the campaign to whatever conclusion a postseason run would bring.

Flyers goaltender Carter Hart is no exception. Speaking on Thursday from his home in the Edmonton suburb of Sherwood Park, Alberta, the fast-emerging 21-year-old star goaltender expressed his longing to return to the ice to finish the season while trying to remain optimistic that it comes to fruition. He also views the situation that there are bigger problems created by the pandemic than the short-term absence of pro sports.

Hart laments the schedule pause coinciding with the Flyers winning nine of their last 10 games before the stoppage. He hates to see the scheduled start of the Stanley Cup playoffs -- which would have begun this week -- get missed. However, his main concern and compassion right now go out to those suffering from the virus, those who've lost loved ones and for those on the front lines trying to save lives.

"We put ourselves in a good position there down the stretch. It's definitely sucks that we didn't get to finish it out. It sucks that we are not playing right now in the playoffs. Hopefully we get that chance here down the line once everything is back to normal. You know what, people's safety and people's health is a bit more important right now. That's where the focus is at for everybody." Hart said.

"There's bigger things going on right now in the world. Everybody's in the same boat. We all have to try and do our part. I know everybody that's working on the front line, all medical workers, hospital workers, essential service workers, they are all doing great jobs stepping up for us all. We have to do our part here and stay inside. Just try to stay healthy and beat this thing, so that we can all resume to our normal everyday lives."

Hart has adhered to the NHL's recommendation for its players to self-isolate wherever they make their primary residence. He described what his workout routine consists of during the pause, and conceded that it's less than he'd typically be able to do during an off-season.

"Can't really do much. I have a bike in the basement, some free weights and all my bags that I have to use. The strength coach is sending us all programs to do. I have that all to stay in shape. Actually my yoga instructor is still doing one-on-one so I am getting to see her two times a week. There's no ice anywhere so I can't really skate. Just have to maintain our fitness levels off the ice," he said.

The current lack of rink availability is on the prime hurdles that players face in terms of being ready to resume game action this spring or summer if and when they are able to rejoin the teams. Goalies, in particular, need not only to skate but to take shots regularly and hone their mechanics for their next game action. Hart thinks that seven to 14 days of of on-ice training will be necessary precursor, depending on how deep into the calendar the pause were to extend.

"I think everybody's in the same boat in the sense that if we are to come back, we would probably need a week or two to get back together as a group, kind of get back in sync. Get back on the ice and feel the puck, kind of get back in hockey shape. Maybe a week or two. I think you don't want to rush into it right away. When you've had an extended break like this, you don't know how long, the uncertainty of how it's going to be, also comes with risk of injury when you are coming back. Whenever it is when we come back, that we get the proper time to get back into hockey shape so we're ready to play," Hart said.

Although Hart already owns 40 NHL regular season wins -- the youngest goalie in Flyers franchise history to reach that mark -- he understands that the ultimate test for a player is how he fares in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He's eager for that opportunity.

"I was definitely excited to play a playoff game hopefully this year. It's every kid's dream to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Hopefully we can get that chance still coming up, depending on the circumstances here," Hart said.

Although Hart is exceptionally mature for his age, both on and off the ice, he still feels that he is making adjustments and learning. One of the biggest lessons he's learned so far in his career is that getting proper rest is just as much part of dealing with the marathon-like season as adhering to a well-structured practice and fitness routine.

"I think making sure you're taking maintenance days; I think that's something I've learned. Like with your body and keeping yourself healthy off the ice. Last year, I learned it's a tight schedule. You are playing almost every second night. I've always tried to take the best care I can of my body. This year I learned playing a full season, I think it's really important that you stay on top of your body conditions, staying healthy and staying in shape. Doing all the little things to make sure every night you perform. You are decreasing the chances of injuries," he said.