In two seasons as a Flyer, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has established a reputation for doing the little things that don't necessarily reflect on the scoresheet — taking the tougher-assignment faceoffs, killing penalties and developing a steady two-way game. His role as a fourth-line grinder implies that he doesn't always get the glory, goal prowess and scoring opportunities as a top-six forward — though there are, of course, several exceptions.
Bellemare got to briefly deviate from that role on Thursday, giving the Flyers (27-22-11) their game-winning tally 3:21 into the third period in a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. The goal was Bellemare's fourth of the season, and second game-winner of his NHL career.
Michal Neuvirth held down the fort in goal for the Flyers, making 24 saves (and several highlight-reel stops along the way) en route to his 14th win of the season.
Sam Gagner and Mark Streit also found themselves in the goal column for the Orange and Black. Gagner opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the season with 1:15 to go in the first period, while Streit tallied his fifth of the year at 5:46 of the second stanza.
The Flyers showed difficulty holding onto leads throughout the game; Thomas Vanek's power-play goal tied the game at 1 just 2:02 into the second period, and moments after Streit put the Flyers up 2-1, Mikael Granlund knotted it at 2 — which would carry over into the third period.
Their lead-holding was granted its toughest test with 6:15 to go, as Sean Couturier took a holding penalty and put the Wild (27-24-10) on their third man-advantage of the night. The Flyers' penalty kill units (led, in part, by the man who put them ahead), held steady, while Neuvirth calmly turned away any and all shots in his path.
Neuvirth was given his toughest opportunity in the waning seconds of the game, as the Wild yanked Devan Dubnyk for an extra attacker. He sprawled across for a sliding save on a one-timer with 2.6 seconds on the clock, which was waved off initially. A terse review of the play upheld the ruling on the ice, and the Flyers were able to walk away with the win.
Just four penalties were called all game. The Flyers capitalized on their only chance, while the Wild went 1 for 3.
Vanek recorded points on both Wild goals, as he added an assist on Granlund's game-tying goal in the second period. Dubnyk turned away 28 of 31 shots. Eight different Flyers — Bellemare, Streit, Gagner, Brayden Schenn, Chris VandeVelde, Ryan White, Matt Read and Jakub Voracek — found themselves on the scoresheet, though nobody recorded a multi-point effort.
The Flyers now find themselves three points behind Pittsburgh for the East's final playoff spot. Their six-game homestand continues on Saturday afternoon, as they host the Arizona Coyotes.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
