PHILADELPHIA — The Columbus Blue Jackets staged a remarkable third-period comeback to secure a 3-2 shootout win against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday. Damon Severson and Jake Bean’s goals in the third period were crucial in erasing a two-goal deficit, setting the stage for Johnny Gaudreau’s decisive goal in the shootout.
The victory, characterized by Severson as an “ugly win,” marked a significant turnaround for Columbus (13-19-8), who have been struggling recently with just two wins in their last seven games (2-2-3). Goaltender Daniil Tarasov played a pivotal role, making 39 saves in regulation and overtime, and stopping all three attempts in the shootout.
Travis Konecny was a standout for Philadelphia (19-13-6), scoring twice on the day he was named to the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Joel Farabee and Sean Couturier each notched two assists, while Samuel Ersson contributed with 26 saves. Despite these efforts, the Flyers suffered their sixth loss in their past seven games (1-3-3).
Severson’s goal early in the third period began the Blue Jackets’ resurgence, followed by Bean’s equalizer at 10:20, showcasing the team’s persistence. “You’ve just got to get one,” Severson remarked, emphasizing the momentum shift that began with their first goal.
For the Flyers, Konecny’s goals extended his point streak to six games, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Coach John Tortorella expressed the need to maintain leads longer and manage the game more effectively.
The Blue Jackets entered the game with a minus-31 goal differential, but their ability to claw back from deficits was on full display. “Teams have come back from not only one, two goals but a lot more than that,” Severson said, highlighting their resilience.
The Flyers had a significant opportunity to extend their lead with a two-minute 5-on-3 power play, but Tarasov’s exceptional goalkeeping kept Columbus in the game. Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent praised Tarasov, particularly for his performance during the 5-on-3.
Konecny’s performance was a bright spot for Philadelphia, with a career-high 26:18 ice time and seven shots on goal. The Flyers’ decision to play with 11 forwards and seven defensemen, including Rasmus Ristolainen’s milestone 700th NHL game, added to the game’s narrative.
This win for the Blue Jackets underscores their capacity to rally from behind and secure victories in challenging circumstances.
UP NEXT
Both teams look ahead to their next games, with the Blue Jackets aiming to build on this momentum and the Flyers seeking to reverse their recent form.
