Tippett's Hat Trick Enough as Flyers Hold Off Detroit

If there has been one player that has been consistent of late, outside of goaltending, it's been Owen Tippett. The Philadelphia Flyers' forward took center stage once again on Saturday night.

Tippett's second hat trick of the season helped the Flyers open up a lead that they held onto by the slimmest of margins in the final minutes, securing a 5-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

How It Happened

The Flyers struck for the first goal of the game at 4:07 as Tippett got a breakaway and beat John Gibson through the five-hole.

Tippett scored his second of the game off a rush at 12:28 of the second period. On a power play at 16:08, Noah Cates scored his 17th goal of the season on a loose puck in the crease.

Detroit appeared to score a goal late in the second, but it was successfully challenged for offside. The Flyers had a goal taken off the board early in the third for an offside challenge.

Tippett completed the hat trick at 7:19 of the third on the power play, making a great move off the rush and finishing high over Gibson. Gibson exited the game for Cam Talbot following the fourth Flyers' goal.

The Red Wings made a furious rally in the final minutes. They got on the board on Mason Appleton's sixth of the season with 6:51 to play. Alex DeBrincat added his 37th of the season with 4:50 to go. Then Lucas Raymond scored with 3:46 to play to make it a one-goal game.

Sean Couturier scored into an empty net for his 10th goal of the season to cap the scoring.

Box Score

1st Period

PHI Owen Tippett (25) (Trevor Zegras) 4:07

2nd Period

PHI Tippett (26) (Denver Barkey, Jamie Drysdale) 12:28
PHI Noah Cates (17) PP (Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny) 16:08

3rd Period

PHI Tippett (27) PP (Drysdale, Konecny) 7:19
DET Mason Appleton (6) (Justin Faulk) 13:43
DET Alex DeBrincat (37) (Patrick Kane, Moritz Seider) 15:10
DET Lucas Raymond (24) (Seider, Kane) 16:14
PHI Sean Couturier (10) EN (Tippett) 17:56

By the Numbers

Shots: Flyers: 26, Red Wings: 33
Power Play: Flyers: 2-for-2, Red Wings: 0-for-2
Faceoffs: Flyers: 56.7%, Red Wings: 43.3%
Goalies: PHI Dan Vladar: 30 saves on 33 shots, DET John Gibson: 17 saves on 21 shots, DET Cam Talbot: 4 saves on 4 shots

Key Performers

⭐ Owen Tippett — From start to finish, Tippett was the Flyers' best player once again. His early goal set the tone. His second provided some cushion. And his third ultimately proved to be the game-winner in the long run.

⭐⭐ Noah Cates — Another game, another goal for Noah Cates, who now has a career high and is emerging as another leader for the Flyers.

⭐⭐⭐ Dan Vladar — Vladar picked up another win, the most important thing. And he had to be sharp early and throughout the game. Allowing three goals late didn't help his numbers, but he delivered when he had to for the Flyers to keep the line moving on the road.

The Takeaway

Well, that was way more interesting than it should have been. For 53 minutes, the Flyers played a perfect road game. One goal? No problem. Three in 2:31? Nearly catastrophic. But the Flyers held on to get the crucial two points and make the playoff race more interesting as the final 10 games arrive. Huge game from Owen Tippett, who continues to be a leader down the stretch. Dan Vladar was strong again too, despite the late goal barrage for Detroit.