Ghost Story: Gostisbehere Scores in OT to Give Flyers 6th Straight Win

(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

For the Flyers to claim their sixth straight win, it would take a little extra time. It may have been the Flyers holiday celebration, but the Flyers added a ghost story as well.

Shayne Gostisbehere scored to tie the game in the second period and then added the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Flyers a 2-1 overtime win on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center.

The first period started off with an early scrum that signaled a lot to come in this game. Both teams also got some good scoring chances early out of some reckless passing in the neutral zone and transition play.

One of those chances for Dallas led to a goal. Martin Hanzal turned the puck into the Flyers zone and Remi Elie gave chase. With the Flyers caught on that side of the ice, Elie centered to Gemel Smith alone in front and he quickly fired a shot past Brian Elliott to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.

The Flyers had two power plays in the first period, but the time for both was abbreviated by additional penalties. The Flyers also killed off the only power play for the Stars in the period.

After 20 minutes, the Stars had an 11-9 advantage in shots.

The Flyers controlled most of the second period play, generating chances and completing passes that had the Stars scrambling.

Finally, on a power play, the Flyers managed the equalizer. With several chances getting in close on Ben Bishop and the Flyers buzzing around the net, a rebound chance sat on the doorstep for Gostisbehere, who dove to poke the puck home and tie the game at 9:10 of the period.

The Flyers continued to keep the pressure on for the rest of the period, but couldn't get a quality chance to try to take the lead. The Stars finally got some sustained pressure late in the period, but also couldn't do much with it and the second period ended with the game tied.

The Flyers outshot the Stars, 10-6, in the period to hold a 19-17 advantage through 40 minutes. 

The third period featured more tight checking and limited chances for both sides. The Flyers had the best pair of chances, getting two power plays in the period, but were not able to generate much with Dallas' strong PK work.

Shots were an even 7-7 in the third period as the game went to overtime.

The Flyers got a power play with 1:32 to play in the overtime and they took advantage. It was Gostisbehere again scoring on Bishop as the Stars netminder jostled for a loose stick in front of the net. The play was reviewed, which drew the ire of the fans. Bracelets were given out as part of the holiday light show held before the game and between periods, and fans started throwing them on the ice again while the officials conferred.

The goal did stand, giving the Flyers their sixth straight win. It was Gostisbehere's second goal of the game and sixth of the season.

Elliott made 26 saves for his sixth straight win. Bishop made 28 saves in the loss.

Voracek had a pair of assists for another multi-point game and brought his season total to 33. 

Box Score

Scoring Summary

1st Period

• DAL Gemel Smith (3) (Remi Elie, Martin Hanzal) 7:13

2nd Period

• PHI Shayne Gostisbehere (5) PP (Jake Voracek, Claude Giroux) 9:10

3rd Period

• No Scoring

Overtime

• PHI Gostisbehere (6) PP (Voracek) 3:50

Game Statistics