Wrap: Flyers Lose in OT after Big Comeback in Ottawa, 5-4
In one of most bizarre games in franchise history, the Philadelphia Flyers set a single-game record for mustering the fewest shots on goal for an entire game (11). Somehow, though, the Flyers battled back from a 4-1 deficit in the third period to force overtime against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday evening.
Ultimately, the Senators prevailed in sudden death, 5-4. Alex DeBrincat (25th goal of the season) capitalized on a turnover behind the net by goalie Felix Sandström. He then stepped out in front as scored before Sandström or defenseman Travis Sanheim could scramble back into position to stop the shot.
Alas, overtime losses are something that have been all too familiar for the Flyers this season. Thursday marked the 12th time in 2022-23 that the Flyers have lost in overtime (1-12). Combined with games decided via shootout (2-1), the Flyers are 3-13 in games decided beyond regulation. On Thursday, the Flyers once again opted to use two defensemen and one forward during the 3-on-3. The strategy has worked no better that a 2F/1D arrangement.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, head coach John Tortorella elected not to be behind the bench for the game. Instead, he watched the game from the press box level with interim general manager Danny Briere. Assistant coach Brad Shaw ran the bench. This is common during the preseason -- Tortorella did so in each of the first four exhibition matches this year -- but is quite uncommon during the regular season.
On Thursday, the Flyers' winning streak ended at four games but their point streak extended to seven (5-0-2).
The game was a very physical and feisty affair with multiple fights and, unfortunately, a couple of players leaving the game due to injuries.
Austin Watson (9th goal of the season) gave Ottawa a 1-0 lead at 10:58 of the first period. A Tony DeAngelo power play goal (11th) at 2:51 of the second period tied the game at 1-1. An even strength tally by Tim Stutzle (37th) at 7:43 and a power play marker by Shane Pinto (20th) at 16:50 built a 3-1 edge for Ottawa that the Sens took into the third period.
Former Flyers captain Claude Giroux (29th goal of the season) made it 4-1 at 2:38 of the third period. Cam York (2nd) cut the gap to 4-2 at 5:58. A Noah Cates power play goal (12th) at 9:54 brought the Flyers back within 4-3. At 17:21, after the Flyers won a puck battle behind the net, Owen Tippett (23rd) knotted the game at 4-4.
Sandström played an excellent game in goal right up until the fateful OT turnover. He stopped 41 of 46 shots. Cam Talbot was credited with the win, stopping seven of 11 shots.
The Flyers went 2-for-2 on the power play; the first road game all season in which Philadelphia scored more than once on the man advantage. The Senators were 1-for-3.
For an in-depth period-by-period synopsis, analysis, stats and highlights, see the
Postgame 5 on PhiladelphiaFlyers.com.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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