Another Third Period Comeback Helps Flyers Edge Canadiens
The Philadelphia Flyers scored three times in the final period and came from behind to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 5-3 Wednesday evening at the Wells Fargo Center. Down 3-2 heading into the third frame, the home team got goals from Wayne Simmonds, Erik Gustafsson, and Jakub Voracek to ensure victory.
Sean Couturier snapped a 27-game goalless streak and Simon Gagne also tallied for the Flyers. David Desharnais, Alexei Emelin, and Brandon Prust were the three goal scorers for the visitors. The Flyers are now on a three game win streak.
Youngster Emelin opened the scoring 13:13 in when he ripped a shot through traffic by Ilya Bryzgalov. His third of the year put the Habs up 1-0. The Flyers responded in the second period, however, with two consecutive goals. Couturier notched the game even as his centering attempt redirected off Habs defenseman P.K Subban and got by Carey Price. Simon Gagne gave the team the lead when he put in a point shot that had bounced off the boards to the front of the net.
The Canadiens would regain the lead in a span of 80 seconds beginning at the 16:29 mark of the second period. Brandon Prust tied the game off a nice feed from Jeff Halpern while a David Desharnais slapshot 80 seconds later gave the Habs the lead.
After the Flyers were carrying the play for the second period, these two quick goals stunned the fans at the Wells Fargo Center. The third period proved to be the Flyers friend yet again though.
Trailing 3-2, Wayne Simmonds redirected a puck in the crease to tie the game. Under two minutes later, an Erik Gustafsson pass went off a defenseman and into the net by Carey price. Jakub Voracek scored an empty netter with 39 seconds remaining to seal off a 5-3 victory.
Game Notes:
- Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo left the game with a lower-body injury
- Claude Giroux has ten points over his past seven games. He is starting to play like the all-star from last year. He even showed his physical side Wednesday when he fought Lars Eller. G also led the team in hits with seven
- The Flyers acquired backup goalie Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday. Bryzgalov’s inconsistency will lead many to speculate whether the Flyers will buy out Bryz in the off-season and go with much the much cheaper former Calder winner instead
- Oliver Lauridsen notched his first ever NHL point on the goal from Simon Gagne
- The Flyers currently sit four points out of a playoff spot and are right back in action Thursday against a resurgent Toronto Maple Leafs team