Flyers get by NHL-leading Jets in shootout

Field Level Media|published: Sat 1st March, 22:57 2025

Mar 1, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michov (39) scores on Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the shootout at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

Ivan Fedotov made 29 stops and turned aside all three shots he faced in the shootout as the Philadelphia Flyers outlasted the host Winnipeg Jets 2-1 on Saturday night.

Jamie Drysdale, assisted by Noah Cates and Nick Seelers, provided the only offense for the Flyers in regulation. Philadelphia has won four of its last five (4-0-1) and are four points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Mark Scheifele scored the only goal for the Jets, with Gabriel Vilardi and Kyle Connor picking up helpers. Connor Hellebuyck made 31 stops for Winnipeg, which is 0-1-1 since a franchise-record 11-game winning streak but remain atop the NHL standings.

Winnipeg opened the scoring 9:58 into the first period. Connor stretched the Flyers' defense around the net, passing to Vilardi, who won the battle in front and set up Scheifele to rip the shot home.

The game remained loose, with both teams exchanging breakaways, first from Connor and followed by Matvei Michkov during a Flyers power play after a Cole Perfetti slashing call, but neither could score.

Despite trailing after the first 20 minutes, the Flyers led 14-7 on the shot clock.

Philadelphia carried the momentum into the second period, tying the game 3:48 in. Winnipeg allowed Drysdale to skate into the slot, where he wired the puck off the post and in.

Travis Konecny nearly gave the Flyers the lead, going in alone in the final minute of the second period, but Hellebuyck stopped him.

The defensive structure of both teams took center stage in the third, making it difficult to generate shots and offensive zone time amid tight checking and physical play.

Winnipeg's first power play came with 5:33 left in regulation after Drysdale was penalized for tripping, followed by a hooking call on Rasmus Ristolainen at 2:36, both on Jets forward Morgan Barron. However, Philadelphia successfully killed both chances against the Jets' league-leading power play.

The Jets have gone 17 straight power plays without a goal.

Overtime was eventful, largely favoring the Jets, who outshot the Flyers 2-1 but couldn't find the game-winner.

Michkov scored the only shootout goal, securing the victory for Philadelphia, while Fedotov denied attempts by Scheifele, Connor and Vilardi.

--Field Level Media

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