Writer: Kevin Durso
Lupul thwarts Flyers comeback attempt with OT winner
I have been writing for Sports Talk Philly since 2011. Currently editor and lead writer of Philadelphia Flyers coverage. Co-host of the YWT Podcast. I also am Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN-FM in South Jersey. I graduated from Cabrini University in 2014.
All posts by Kevin DursoPublished08 Mar 2014
Joffrey Lupul is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in the Leafs 4-3 overtime win over the Flyers. (Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com)
With the help of two defenseman and unlikely sources for offense, the Flyers were close to pulling off another comeback. One former Flyer made sure it didn't happen.
Joffrey Lupul scored at 2:21 of overtime to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Saturday night from Air Canada Centre.
Toronto controlled the beginning of the game with a pair of goals in the first five minutes of action. At 2:21 of the first, Jake Gardiner beat Steve Mason to open the scoring. Just over a minute later at 3:38, Nazim Kadri scored as well.
The Flyers finally cut into the lead in the second as Kimmo Timonen scored with 1:58 to go in the period.
Timonen would score a second goal at 7:19 of the third to tie the game. But with six minutes left, Mason Raymond added a goal that put Toronto back in front. Again, the Flyers responded, as Braydon Coburn scored to knot the game at three with 2:32 left in regulation.
That forced overtime where the Leafs would get the only shot. A nice feed from Dion Phaneuf to Lupul set up the game-winner as the former Flyer scored his 19th goal of the season to seal a win for the Leafs.
Timonen's two goals were his first against the Leafs in his career. He also hit the post with 3:30 left bidding for the hat trick.
Timonen and Coburn combined to be plus-6 on the night. The pairing of Mark Streit and Nick Grossmann combined to be minus-6. Wayne Simmonds was also minus-2 on the night.
Jake Voracek added a pair of assists for his third straight multi-point game to keep his hot play of late going.
Mason stopped 32 of 36 shots as the Flyers labored through a tough first period, being outshot 14-9 in the opening 20 minutes.
Jonathan Bernier was even better, making 28 saves on 31 shots.
The Flyers return to action on Tuesday night, returning home to face the New Jersey Devils.
Kevin Durso is the lead beat writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
