Claude Giroux’s goal at 3:20 of overtime led the Philadelphia Flyers to a 3-2 overtime win over the New York Islanders. Steve Mason made 36 saves to earn the win in a game that saw the Flyers overcome a 2-0 deficit.
The Islanders had three-game winning streak snapped and lost for the first time under interim head coach Doug Weight. The Isles did earn at least a point for the fourth consecutive game (3-0-1).
The Flyers really needed this victory as they ended a three-game losing streak and picked up two key points in the tight playoff race in the Metropolitan Division.
The two teams combined for 85 shots on goal in what became a wide-open hockey game. Thomas Greiss made 44 saves for the Islanders and played well despite seeing his two-game shutout streak end.
Brayden Schenn continued his hot play by picking up two assists. The Flyers forward now has five goals and four assists in his last nine games.
First Period
The Flyers have struggled in the first period this season, but they came out and dominated play early. The visitors managed 15 shots on goal in the first period while allowing only eight, but Greiss continued his strong play and kept the Flyers off the scoreboard.
The Islanders picked up the only goal in the first 20 minutes at the 13:25 mark. Mason stopped John Tavares on a breakaway and then got his pads on Josh Bailey’s rebound attempt. The puck went back to the deep slot where Nick Leddy was able to bury it to give the Islanders the lead.
The Islanders held a 1-0 lead after one period for the second straight game despite being outplayed on both nights.
Second Period
The Flyers have excelled in the second period all season and tonight was no exception. The Flyers took 19 shots on goal in the middle stanza but still trailed after 40 minutes.
The Islanders added to their lead at 4:47 when Alan Quine put home the rebound of a shot from the point by Dennis Seidenberg. Shane Prince had the first chance at the rebound but couldn’t get the shot away but Quine was able to beat Mason from in close.
The Flyers finally got on the board with 5:50 left in the period. The poor ice at the Barclays Center led to a bouncing puck that hit a skate and found Wayne Simmonds in the slot. The Flyers forward poked the puck past Greiss to give the Flyers a much-needed momentum boost. The goal ended Greiss’ shutout streak at 154:10.
Although they trailed 2-1, the Flyers were outshooting the Islanders 34-21 and seemed to be gaining momentum as the game went on.
Third Period
The Flyers only needed 1:47 of the third period to tie the game. Ivan Provorov skated wide and beat two defenders before wristing the puck towards the net. The puck hit Adam Pelech’s skate and went past Greiss to even the score at 2-2.
The Islanders had two powerplay chances with the game tied in the third period but were unable to convert. The Isles had scored three goals with the extra attacker Saturday night, but their failure to take advantage of their opportunities cost them against the Flyers.
Overtime
The overtime was wide open with the teams combining for nine shots on goal in just 3:20. Provorov had a great chance from in close but Greiss stoned him. Tavares had a chance to score on a breakaway but Mason was able to keep him from ending the game.
Giroux ended the game when he scored his 11th goal of the season off a nice pass by Shayne Gostisbehere who centered the puck from behind the goal after grabbing the rebound of a shot by Jakub Voracek.
Scoring Summary
First Period
NYI – Nick Leddy (8) unassisted
Second Period
NYI – Alan Quine (4) assisted by Shane Prince and Dennis Seidenberg
PHI – Wayne Simmonds (19) assisted by Brayden Schenn and Radko Gudus
Third Period
PHI – Ivan Provorov (4) assisted by Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds
Overtime
PHI – Claude Giroux (11) assisted by Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakub Voracek
THW Three Stars
First: Claude Giroux (GWG)
Second: Wayne Simmonds (goal, assist)
Third: Thomas Greiss (44 saves)
Next Up
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders
Barclays Center – 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday Jan 24
Broadcast Channels: MSG-Plus and Fox Sports-Ohio
Philadelphia Flyers vs New York Rangers
Madison Square Garden – 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday Jan 25
Broadcast Channels: NBCSN and TVAS