NEWARK, N.J. – Owen Tippett’s overtime heroics propelled the Philadelphia Flyers to a dramatic 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Tuesday, stretching their impressive point streak to nine games.
In a tense finish, Tippett capitalized on a critical error by the Devils’ Jack Hughes, intercepting a pass at the blue line and firing a decisive shot past goalie Vitek Vanecek. Flyers coach John Tortorella praised Tippett’s anticipation and execution, noting his consistent creation of scoring chances this season.
Ryan Poehling’s two-goal performance and Samuel Ersson’s 24 saves were pivotal in maintaining Philadelphia’s strong form (18-10-3), which has seen them go 7-0-2 in their last nine games. Poehling’s determination and Ersson’s growing confidence were standout themes post-game, with Tortorella highlighting their contributions.
For the Devils (16-12-2), Michael McLeod and Jesper Bratt found the net, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win in a game that has intensified anticipation for the upcoming Stadium Series clash between these teams. Despite the setback, Vanecek’s 23-save effort and the team’s overall performance left them looking to move forward positively.
The game’s narrative was marked by swinging fortunes. McLeod’s goal set the tone for New Jersey, but Poehling’s equalizer, assisted by Joel Farabee, quickly shifted momentum. Poehling’s second goal, a result of a 2-on-1 break with Travis Konecny, demonstrated the Flyers’ resilience.
Devils coach Lindy Ruff reflected on Hughes’ challenging night, emphasizing the growth and learning curve for the young star. Despite his giveaways, including the critical one in overtime, Ruff sees these moments as part of Hughes’ development process.
Tortorella’s comments on Ersson’s performance in the third period and overtime highlighted the goaltender’s mental strength and technical skill, crucial in keeping the game tied and setting up the dramatic finish.
Notable Notes:
- The Flyers’ nine-game point streak is their longest since the 2019-20 season.
- Philadelphia’s Travis Sanheim returned to action after missing a game due to illness.
- Devils’ Nico Hischier marked his 400th NHL game with an assist.
- Hughes is on the brink of a franchise milestone, nearing 60 assists in a calendar year, a feat only achieved by Kirk Muller in 1990.
This hard-fought victory not only extends the Flyers’ impressive streak but also sets the stage for an intriguing rematch in the Stadium Series, underscoring the competitive edge between these Atlantic Division rivals.
