PHILADELPHIA — Scott Laughton, the center for the Flyers, experienced immense pride after netting his second goal of the game, marking his 100th career goal.
In a standout performance, Laughton also scored two empty-net goals, thereby equaling the Philadelphia team record of four goals in a single game during their 4-1 triumph over Detroit on Thursday night.
“Hopefully, this will help me find my rhythm,” Laughton remarked. “It was a fantastic evening.”
Following a long stretch of just one goal over his last 25 games, Laughton achieved his second career hat trick. He became the first Flyers player to score four goals in a game since John LeClair back in 2002.
Laughton joins an exclusive group as the 10th player in Flyers history to score four goals in a game, a feat that has now occurred 17 times in total.
“For Scotty Laughton, it’s always a delight when good things come his way,” acknowledged coach John Tortorella. “His hard work is a significant factor in our victory tonight.”
After the game, his teammates celebrated by giving him a standing ovation in the locker room. They then presented him with a championship belt featuring the Flyers logo, reminiscent of pro wrestling accolades.
Having made his NHL debut with the Flyers in January 2013, the 30-year-old Laughton scored his first two goals through determined efforts.
He initiated the scoring in the second period with a breakaway slap shot from the left circle and added another in the third with a short-handed goal, redirecting a pass from Travis Konecny while eagerly diving into the crease.
For over ten years, Laughton has been a consistent player for the Flyers but has never exceeded 18 goals in a season. This year, he had only three goals as the Flyers appear to be on the brink of closing in on a much-anticipated playoff berth, their first since 2020.
His first hat trick was recorded on February 7, 2021, against Washington.
“Reaching 100 goals isn’t something I dwell on, but after being in the league for so long, I recognize how challenging it is to find the net,” Laughton expressed. “Scoring 100 is quite special to me. While it may not seem significant compared to others, it is a meaningful milestone.”
His final two goals, which came in the last 70 seconds of the game, were both empty-netters.
“It’s a nice feeling,” Laughton added. “While they were empty-netters, it’s important to remember that they all count.”