Owen Tippett’s third career hat trick sparked a 5-3 Philadelphia Flyers win that damaged the Detroit Red Wings chances and bolstered their own.
With the Columbus Blue Jackets losing, the Red Wings could have moved back in a wildcard spot with a win. Instead, they remain one point out of the playoffs and the Flyers move within three points of the second wildcard spot.
Tippett scored his first goal of the game, coming on a breakaway, on the Flyers’ first shot against goalie John Gibson at 4:07 of the first period. He also had an assist to goal with his 25th, 26th and 27 goals.
The Red Wings created some excitement by scoring three goals in a span of 2:31 minutes as the game was winding down. Mason Appleton scored at 13:43, followed by Alex DeBrincat at 15:10 and Lucas Raymond at 16:14.
That cut Philadelphia’s lead to 4-3, but Philadelphia captain Sean Couturier preserved the Flyers’ win with an empty-net goal to make it a 5-3 Finals
Takeaways
GM Steve Yzerman called up Carter Mazur from the Grand Rapids Griffins. He played on the third line with Emmitt Finnie and Marco Kasper.. He had one shot on goal, two hits in 10:06 of playing time . . Injured Cam Talbot was deemed fit enough to dress as a backup to John Gibson. He played the final 12:41 of the third period when McLellan pulled Gibson . Talbot didn’t give up a goal. . .Patrick Kane posted two assists to give him 46 points in 58 games. . . James van Riemsdyk was a healthy scratch.
Turning Point
A Moritz Seider goal was nullified on a coach’s challenge late in the second period. Alex DeBrincat was offside on the play. The tally would have cut Philadelphia’s lead to 3-1. The Red Wings’ hope of climbing back in the game took a nosedive.
Key Stat
NHL coaches win 91% of challenges for offside. They only make the challenge of it is obvious to them on the replay. The Flyers also lost a goal on a Detroit offside challenge.
Up Next
The Red Wings are at Pittsburgh on Tuesday and then at Philadelphia to face the Flyers again on Thursday.