For the first time in 10 games, the Flyers scored first. The lead didn’t last.
The Flyers watched a 3-0 advantage slip away in the second period, but managed to get the two points via a shootout. Trevor Zegras scored in regulation and again in the shootout, and Sam Ersson won yet another shootout in goal, as the Flyers defeated the New York Islanders, 4-3, on Friday afternoon.
At 8:30, Tyson Foerster stole the puck in the slot and fired home his ninth goal of the season and fifth in the last five games.
Just 22 seconds later, the Flyers benefitted from another turnover. Sean Couturier got a takeaway at the left circle and fired a shot off the far post and in for his fourth goal of the season to make it 2-0 at 8:52.
Through 20 minutes, shots were 6-3 Islanders.
Early in the second, the Flyers added on to the lead. On a power play, a pass attempt by Zegras deflected in off a skate, giving the Flyers a 3-0 lead on Zegras’ eighth goal of the season at 1:48.
The Islanders got on the board at 5:42. Kyle Palmieri forced a turnover from Emil Andrae, and Emil Heineman ultimately got the payoff with a shot from the slot to make it 3-1.
The Islanders cut the lead to one at 8:11. On a delayed penalty call, Matthew Schaefer fired a shot past Ersson for his eighth goal of the season to make it 3-2.
In the final minute of the second, the Islanders made it all the way back to tie it at three. Maxim Shabanov’s shot from the point was deflected by Anders Lee for his fifth goal of the season to even things up.
Through two periods, shots were 19-14 Islanders.
After no scoring in the third period or overtime, the game went to a shootout. Zegras scored in the first round, and Simon Holmstrom answered in the second round. Travis Konecny scored in the third round and Ersson stopped Bo Horvat to seal the win.
Ersson made 28 saves on 31 shots in the win. David Rittich made 18 saves on 21 shots in the loss.
Schaefer had two points for the Islanders.
The Flyers are back on the ice on Saturday night to take on the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m.
