The Philadelphia Flyers staged an impressive comeback to secure a 5-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens during a shootout at the Bell Centre on March 5, 2024. The win marked the Flyers’ first road victory of the season, improving their record to 1-2-1.
After an explosive start in which they established a commanding 3-0 lead within the first period, the Flyers faced a stark turnaround as they surrendered four goals to the Canadiens in the second period. The momentum shifted dramatically, leaving Philadelphia trailing 4-3 as they entered the final frame of the game.
In a crucial moment, rookie Nikita Grebenkin scored his first NHL goal at 10:51 of the third period, bringing the game back to parity. Following a tense scoreless overtime, the match proceeded to a shootout, where Trevor Zegras clinched the win for the Flyers with a decisive goal.
The first period belonged to Philadelphia, who outshot Montreal 12-2 and effectively controlled the game in all three zones. The Flyers struck first just 1:56 into the game, with Bobby Brink redirecting a shot from Travis Sanheim past goaltender Sam Montambeault.
With two quick penalties called against Montreal, the Flyers capitalized on the opportunity. Cam York scored a power-play goal at 7:07 after a brilliant pass from Zegras, extending the lead to 2-0. Brink added his second goal of the night shortly after, giving Philadelphia a 3-0 advantage at 7:50.
The second period proved challenging for the Flyers. Montreal responded with four unanswered goals, starting with a pair from Kirby Dach, followed by goals from Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov during a power play. This series of goals shifted the momentum in favor of the home team, leading to a 4-3 deficit for the Flyers.
Despite the setbacks, the Flyers managed to regroup in the third period. Defenseman Cam York expressed pride in the team’s perseverance. “We had a game plan going into the game, and I thought we executed,” York stated. “It was a great start for us. The second wasn’t our best, but we battled in the third.”
“Going to the net, getting on the inside, that’s what we’ve been talking about,”
said Sean Couturier, highlighting the importance of their offensive strategy. He acknowledged that a few penalties had hindered their earlier success but praised the team’s resilience. “We deserved those two points,” he concluded.
Head coach Rick Tocchet commended the Flyers for their resolve in the final period. “I liked the resolve in the third. I think we held them to one chance in the third. And we had 42 shots. Good effort by everyone tonight,” Tocchet remarked. He noted that the team had convened to simplify their game plan, which seemed to pay off.
The Flyers now look ahead to their next challenge as they prepare to face the Nashville Predators on March 7, 2024. This victory not only boosts morale but also showcases the Flyers’ ability to fight back from adversity, a trait that could prove essential as the season progresses.
In summary, the Philadelphia Flyers demonstrated considerable tenacity in their latest match, rallying from a difficult second period to secure a vital win. With a season-high of 42 shots on goal, the team displayed their offensive capabilities and determination to turn the tide in their favor.
