The Flyers’ late rally fell short as the New Jersey Devils held on for a 4-3 win on Tuesday night, dealing a blow to Philadelphia’s playoff aspirations.
Michael McLeod, Kyle Palmieri, Yegor Sharangovich, and Travis Zajac each found the net for the Devils, who have now won four of their last five games.
“Guys are starting to feel confident with what we’re trying to do,” McLeod said. “Everyone seems to be clicking the last couple of games.”
In contrast, the Flyers continue to struggle. They entered the game just two points behind Boston for the final playoff spot in the East Division, but a third consecutive loss leaves their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Joel Farabee scored his 14th goal of the season for Philadelphia, while Sean Couturier added two late goals in the third period to narrow the gap to 4-3. Despite pulling goalie Carter Hart in the final minute and making a desperate push, the Flyers couldn’t force overtime.
“We’ll find a way to get the desired results,” Couturier said.
McLeod opened the scoring with a backhanded goal, his fourth of the season, giving the Devils a 1-0 lead. Farabee responded by sneaking a rebound inside the pipe to tie the game at 1-all. However, the Flyers soon found themselves on the receiving end of boos from the 3,100 fans in attendance as the Devils took control.
Mackenzie Blackwood made 30 saves for New Jersey, while Ty Smith contributed two assists.
“When you have a guy like Blackie back there kicking like he was tonight, it gives you confidence to play free and with pace, knowing he’ll be there all night,” Smith said.
The Flyers’ struggles continued when defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere failed to clear the puck, allowing Palmieri to score with just 5.6 seconds remaining in the first period.
Sharangovich capitalized on a turnover by Flyers defenseman Phil Myers in the second period, extending the Devils’ lead. Zajac then caught the Flyers’ defense off guard, scoring his fourth goal of the season with just 23.4 seconds left in the second period.
Flyers goalie Carter Hart, now 8-8-3 this season, had struggled to replicate his form from last season when he became the second-youngest goaltender in NHL history to record back-to-back shutouts in the playoffs. The Flyers are 4-8-1 in March, with Hart posting a 2-5 record.
“I don’t think we’re playing a full 60 minutes right now,” Hart said. “We can’t just show up for the last 10 minutes of the third and expect to win the game.”
Subban’s Situation
Devils defenseman P.K. Subban has posted three goals and 14 points in 30 games this season, maintaining a pace similar to last season. However, at 31 years old and with a $9 million salary this season, Subban may be on the trading block as the deadline approaches. Despite no longer being the game-changer he once was, Subban could still provide value for a team willing to take on part of his contract.
“I think he’s on the rise,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “When P.K. is skating and getting involved in the play, he’s a big asset. He’s got a great shot, and when he gets it through, we’ve seen him beat goaltenders clean from the point.”
UP NEXT
- The Devils travel to Washington for back-to-back games against the Capitals on Thursday and Friday.
- The Flyers will host the Rangers on Thursday and Friday.
