Zegras’ OT Winner Lifts Flyers Past Stars

Rick Tocchet has talked about meeting the moment. On Sunday night, there were several examples from the Philadelphia Flyers.

The penalty kill needed to bear down with under three minutes left in regulation. Sam Ersson made a stellar save that helped force overtime. And in overtime, Trevor Zegras played hero, scoring his 23rd goal of the season in a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars.

How It Happened

The first period was calculated from both teams, with limited shots in a scoreless frame.

At the midpoint of the second period, the Flyers scored the first goal of the game on the power play. Travis Konecny powered to the net and scored his 26th goal of the season to make it 1-0.

On another power play late in the second, the Flyers allowed the tying goal rather than extend the lead. Arttu Hyry took advantage of a turnover and scored his first NHL goal on the breakaway to even things at one.

That score held through the third period until the Flyers took a penalty with 2:48 remaining. Ersson made a stellar pad save on Wyatt Johnston at the side of the net, and the Flyers survived to force overtime.

At 3:07 of overtime, Zegras completed an end-to-end rush and scored to give the Flyers the win.

Box Score

1st Period

No Scoring

2nd Period

PHI Travis Konecny (26) PP (Matvei Michkov, Rasmus Ristolainen) 9:48
DAL Arttu Hyry (1) SH (Unassisted) 17:53

3rd Period

No Scoring

Overtime

PHI Trevor Zegras (23) (Cam York, Sam Ersson) 3:27

By the Numbers

Shots: Flyers: 30, Stars: 18
Power Play: Flyers: 1-for-3, Stars: 0-for-2
Faceoffs: Flyers: 56.2%, Stars: 43.8%
Goalies: PHI Sam Ersson: 17 saves on 18 shots, DAL Casey DeSmith: 28 saves on 30 shots

Key Performers

⭐ Trevor Zegras — The hero of the night, Zegras scored the game-winning goal to give the Flyers another crucial two points in the playoff race.

⭐⭐ Sam Ersson — Once again, Ersson was solid throughout the game, making 17 saves on 18 shots, his biggest coming in the closing moments of the third.

⭐⭐⭐ Travis Konecny — The Flyers needed Konecny to step up and he certainly did by opening the scoring.

The Takeaway

Don’t look now, but the Flyers are certainly alive in the playoff race. It could prove to be a monumental day for the Flyers, who signed their top prospect to start the day and completed another back-to-back sweep at night. They find themselves two points back in both the wildcard and the Metro with plenty of significant games ahead. So buckle up and enjoy the ride, wherever it may go.