FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Flyers - Game 18

The Golden Knights found themselves trailing 2-0 for the third consecutive game, setting the stage for a dramatic ending.

Carter Hart made two crucial saves early on, thwarting a breakaway by Ivan Barbashev, yet the Flyers dominated the opening frame, outshooting the Golden Knights 16-8. Philadelphia broke the ice late in the first period with a power-play goal from Owen Tippett, defying their 30th-ranked power-play status.

Despite the odds, the Flyers converted on their first two power-play opportunities, with Tyson Foerster netting his first of the season 59 seconds into the middle frame. The Golden Knights, however, responded just over three minutes later, as William Karlsson scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season, narrowing the gap to one.

The game took a contentious turn when, almost 10 minutes into the frame, Chandler Stephenson cross-checked Garnet Hathaway well after the whistle. Despite a review indicating no contact with Hathaway’s head, Stephenson received a five-minute major and game misconduct. The Golden Knights successfully killed off the major, and moments later, Jonathan Marchessault scored, leveling the score at 2-2.

The back-and-forth action persisted, with the Flyers regaining the lead 25 seconds later as Sean Walker scored a powerful point shot. In the final minute of the frame, the Golden Knights capitalized on an extended 5-on-3, as Marchessault notched his second of the game, tying with Karlsson for the team lead in goals.

Entering the third period tied once again after trailing by two, the Golden Knights faced a different scenario than their previous game in Montreal. Despite outshooting Philadelphia 10-5, Vegas couldn’t find the back of the net. The Flyers had two power plays in the third, including a late opportunity on a Paul Cotter tripping call, but the Golden Knights penalty kill held firm, forcing the game into overtime.

With only one shot in the extra period, both teams had chances to secure victory. A missed opportunity by Jack Eichel at one end led to Sean Couturier’s game-winner precisely one minute into overtime to give the Flyers the victory.