Scott Laughton scored the overtime winner as the Flyers defeated the Islanders 3-2 on Saturday night. The Islanders will be able to get revenge on the Flyers as they face-off again Sunday night.

Jakub Voracek gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead 3:38 into the first period, by finishing a pretty passing play from Claude Giroux. Immediately after the goal, Mathew Barzal took a high sticking penalty on the shift immediately after the first Flyers goal which the Isles killed off. Later in the period, Kevin Hayes finished a great cross ice pass from James van Riemsdyk after creating separation from his defender. Late in the first, Michael Raffl tripped JG Pageau with a knee on knee hit that led to an unsuccessful Islanders power-play.

The Islanders had a better finish to the first period, and they took that momentum into the second period. Early in the period, Joel Farabee took a roughing penalty for a high hit on Oliver Wahlstrom. Wahlstrom went to the dressing room but returned shortly after. Midway through the second period, the Isles maintained some zone time and Adam Pelech fed Jordan Eberle in front and cut the Flyers lead in half. Scott Mayfield tied the game with a shot from the point only a few minutes after. The second period was controlled by the Isles, leading the shot totals 10-4 for the period.

The Islanders controlled play in the third period but were not able to take the lead. Mat Barzal was tripped in the first minute of the 3rd period, leading to a penalty stopping an eventual two-on-one. Both teams were unsuccessful on the power-play throughout the game. The Isles were 0/4 and the Flyers were 0/1.

Ryan Pulock saved the Isles on defense and stopped a potential three-on-one late in the third period with the game still tied. He started a rush that led to a two-on-one in the final two minutes between Eberle and Komarov which was miraculously stopped by Carter Hart in goal. Both teams went back and forth with possession but the Flyers had the better quality chances, and eventually, Scott Laughton, after hesitating and finding space, finished on one.

Jordan Eberle was all over the ice tonight making plays after some inconsistency to start the season. Eberle and Bailey switched spots in the lineup after the first period and playing with Nelson and Komarov really sparked Eberle’s play.

The Islanders’ third line was flying again tonight but couldn’t put the puck in the net. Bellows and Wahlstrom seemed to gel better with Jean-Gabriel Pageau at center during this game. It is exciting to see what they could do in the coming games for the Islanders as it seems like Head Coach Barry Trotz is gaining confidence in the line.

This was a much better effort for the Islanders and it was positive for them that they were at least able to pick up a point. They will look to take their improved play into tomorrow night’s game.

John Smark