After defeating the New York Islanders on Thursday, 5-3, the Philadelphia Flyers (21-20-6) traveled down to Newark, New Jersey, to take on the New Jersey Devils (26-16-6) in another Metropolitan Division showdown.
Entering Saturday afternoon’s tilt, the Flyers were riding a four-game point streak and managed to stretch it to five games at the Prudential Center, defeating the Devils 3-1. The Flyers handed the Devils their third consecutive loss and are 4-0-1 in their last five games.
Flyers at Devils
Just 2:17 into the first period, defenseman Dougie Hamilton gave the Devils an early 1-0 lead. Nathan Bastian dished a pass to Hamilton, who fired a shot on net through traffic that beat Sam Ersson who was screened. It was Hamilton’s sixth goal and 29th point of the season.
The remainder of the first period saw tight-checking between both sides and the Devils managed to escape the first 20 minutes up by one. The Flyers lacked scoring chances but looked more well-rounded than their opposition.
Matvei Michkov leveled the game with his 14th goal of the year just 1:56 into the second period. Luke Hughes fanned on a pass that was intercepted by Sean Couturier and the Philly captain found Michkov who beat Jake Allen glove-side on a breakaway. Michkov’s goal put him back into first place in rookie goal-scoring.
The remainder of the second period was similar to the first. Limited scoring chances and a low amount of shots on goal, 11 for the Flyers and eight for the Devils. Blocked shots were the biggest stat through the first 40 minutes, with 16 for the Flyers and 20 for the Devils.
Early in the third period, Jesper Bratt scored on a one-timer to put the Devils ahead 2-1, but John Tortorella challenged the play for offsides and was successful.
Bobby Brink capitalized on the powerplay with 7:16 remaining in the third to put the Flyers ahead, 2-1. Noah Cates, playing in his 200th NHL game, jumped on a loose puck in the corner and found Brink all alone in front of the net. Brink lifted the puck just past Allen’s glove for his sixth goal of the season to give the Flyers a late lead.
The Devils managed to mount some pressure on the Flyers in the final minutes of the period, but Travis Konecny added an empty-net goal with one second remaining, his 21st goal of the season to seal a 3-1 win.
Ersson rose to the occasion yet again. Experiencing an up-and-down season, the Flyers’ net-minder saved 13 of 14 shots faced and picked up his 13th win of the year. The Flyers managed to block a total of 33 shots en route to a big divisional win.
Foerster, Cates, Brink line continues to produce
The line consisting of Tyson Foerster, Cates, and Brink has been one of the most consistent for the Flyers this season. They kept their foot on the gas against the Devils and delivered a crucial powerplay goal. Brink has scored in two of the last three games and added the game-winner on Saturday afternoon.
Cates stays red-hot
Cates added an assist in his 200th game for his 21st point of the season. Since before the Christmas break, Cates has driven himself up the lineup with his offensive production. He has four points in his last five games and added the helper on Brink’s game-winner.
Up Next
The Flyers return home to face the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. The puck is set to drop at 7:00 pm.
Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
