Photo Courtesy of Kate Frese
When two teams score within the first four minutes of a game, it typically means that plenty of more offense is on the way.
And when the Flyers (8-10-5) and Nashville Predators each lit the lamp just four minutes into Friday afternoon's contest, it looked like the game would have all the makings of a high-offense shootout — the kind that the NHL has needed. However, both teams proved why their offenses have been struggling as of late, as that 1-1 score lasted for much of the game.
As the game headed into 3-on-3 overtime — which seemed all but inevitable as the game remained tied — the usual fast pace and excitement that comes with the still-new format was in full force. But the Predators (12-6-4) took what would ultimately result in a costly too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty, allowing Shayne Gostisbehere to score his second overtime winner and third goal of his young season.
Colin McDonald's first goal as a Flyer at 4:57 of the third period gave the Orange and Black their first lead of the afternoon. McDonald, who spent the bulk of his season in Lehigh Valley until this week, netted his first goal since Feb. 10 of this year — when he was a member of the New York Islanders.
Evgeny Medvedev assisted on the McDonald goal, giving him a point in his return to the lineup. Medvedev had previously missed 11 of the last 12 games, due to the combination of a concussion and ineffective play.
The Flyers' 2-1 lead lasted through much of the third, but with 20 seconds left and an empty net, Mike Fisher tied it up for the Predators. Fisher's goal led to the last significant pressure that the Predators were able to mount, which they could not take back after their costly penalty gave the Flyers an extra skater.
McDonald wasn't the only Flyer with his first goal of the season. Michael Del Zotto earned his first of the season at the 4:00 mark of the first period (credit Domino's Pizza on that) , a quick answer to Filip Forsberg's game-opening goal at 1:44 of the period.
Michal Neuvirth held steady in net for the Flyers, making 33 saves on 35 shots — including a few on some significant scoring chances for the Predators. Pekka Rinne was saddled with the loss after saving 33 of 36 shots, and his all-time record against the Orange and Black stands now at 3-1-2.
Both teams were provided with two power-play opportunities. The Preds missed out on both of theirs, while the Flyers cashed in on the most important one they had — the overtime too-many-men penalty. McDonald and Barret Jackman received additional penalties, as both received five-minute majors for dropping the gloves at 10:25 of the third stanza.
While the game ended in another exciting finish — giving the Orange and Black their fifth win in 10 overtime games — it remained a sordid, tight-checking affair. The Predators finished with 31 hits, while the Flyers threw 29.
The Flyers will face a quick turnaround, as they head up to Manhattan for a 1:30 matinee matchup tomorrow with the New York Rangers. The game will close out what's been a dismal November for the Orange and Black.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
