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Wrap: Flyers Douse Flames in OT, 2-1 |
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Wrap: Flyers Douse Flames in OT, 2-1
The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Calgary Flames in overtime, 2-1, at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night. It was a feisty, fast-paced game especially over the second and third periods. The Flyers then prevailed 45 seconds into OT after Cam Atkinson (7th goal of the season) potted a Sean Couturier rebound. The game-winner was scored on a 2-on-1 rush started after a Johnny Gaudreau turnover.
Playing for the fourth time in six nights, the Flames were the better team in the first period. The second frame was wide open, with numerous Grade A chances for both sides. Philly then took over the game in the third period, and went on to prevail in overtime.
Calgary defenseman Oliver Kylington (3rd goal of the season) scored the lone goal of the first period on a point shot that deflected off Couturier. Despite an even-seeming 12-11 shot on goal differential, the Flames had the puck more often and generated superior chances at five-on-five. Additionally, the Flyers went 0-for-3 on the power play in the first period, including a 5-on-3 opportunity.
Early in the second period, Scott Laughton was unable to convert a penalty shot. A few minutes later, Kevin Hayes (1st) tied the score at 1-1. It was a broken play with an emotional ending. Rasmus Ristolainen had a nice keep on the front end. After an attempted Hayes cross-ice pass was blocked by defenseman Rasmus Andersson, the puck went right back to the Flyers center. This time he shot it into the open right side of the net.
After Hayes scored the goal, he pointed skyward in tribute to his late brother, Jimmy. Following the game, Kevin said he planned to save the puck to give to Jimmy's young son, Beau, who had his second birthday party one day before Jimmy's passing.
There was also a scary moment with Hayes, who left the ice doubled over in a lot of pain later in the second period. Fortunately, the player recovered between periods and was fine to finish the game. Earlier, teammate Kevin Brown had to leave the game after the first period with a thumb injury, and did not return. For a time, the Flyers were down to 10 forwards.
Both goaltenders played brilliantly. Carter Hart stopped 33 of 34 shots in regulation and did not an OT shot. Jacob Markström denied 40 of 41 Flyers shots in regulation. Philly won the game on their first shot of OT.
Numerous Flyers players stepped up at different junctures of the game. Special mention goes to defenseman Ristolainen (nine credited hits, three blocks, one takeaway, two shots on goal on two attempts and the lone assist on Hayes's goal. Zack MacEwen only skated 7:37 over 13 shifts but was noticeable in good ways with his puck pressure, winning battles and getting to the net. Ivan Provorov, Justin Braun, Travis Sanheim and several forwards also made key plays at vital junctures.
For more from this game, see the Postgame 5 on the Flyers official site.
Prior to the game, Paul Holmgren and Rick Tocchet were inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame. Numerous Flyers Hall of Fame members attended the ceremony, along with the inductees' families. There were also pre-recorded video tributes from former teammates played through the course of the night.
On Thursday, the Flyers will host the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning on Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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