PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers secured a victory against the New Jersey Devils with a final score of 4-2 on Monday night, thanks to goals from Bobby Brink, Joel Farabee, and Garnet Hathaway. This win allowed the Flyers to break a two-game losing streak as they commenced a home-and-home series against the Devils. Scott Laughton also contributed significantly, netting a goal and an assist, while Travis Konecny and Rasmus Ristolainen each provided two assists. Goaltender Samuel Ersson made 31 saves, marking the Flyers’ fourth consecutive win at home.
Brink opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 8:56 in the first period, quickly followed by Farabee’s strike just 28 seconds later, putting Philadelphia ahead 2-0. Hathaway extended the lead further to three goals at 2:49 of the second period. The Devils responded late in the second when Dougie Hamilton scored with just over a minute left, narrowing the gap.
Timo Meier added a goal for New Jersey in the third period, converting on a slap shot during a 6-on-5 situation with 1:22 left in the game. However, Laughton’s empty-net goal with 14.7 seconds remaining sealed the outcome for the Flyers.
The Devils played without their captain, Nico Hischier, due to a lower body injury he incurred during a recent overtime win against Montreal. Despite their efforts to overcome a three-goal deficit, the team will need to improve their start in the upcoming rematch on home ice.
For the Flyers, Ersson’s performance was commendable, and should he maintain this level of play along with the team’s offensive output, the Flyers could find themselves in position to contend for a playoff spot.
In a notable moment, Eagles rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean rode a Zamboni during the intermission, having contributed to the Eagles’ Super Bowl berth. His presence ignited enthusiastic chants from Philadelphia fans, celebrating both teams.
This game marked a milestone for Flyers coach John Tortorella, as he coached his 1,598th game, tying him with Ken Hitchcock for seventh place in NHL history.
The two teams are set to face off again in New Jersey on Wednesday night.
