It was pretty much a cakewalk for Philadelphia as five different players scored in the first 15:42 of the game and they secured a 5-0 lead after the first period. While the NY Islanders did some damage control throughout the rest of the game, the Flyers coasted to an eventual 6-3 win. They're now tied with New York at 82 points with a 37-32-8 record, but still remain six points out of the second wild card spot with five games remaining. The Islanders have an additional game left and hold a 35-29-12 overall record.
Islanders tap out early
It was a struggle for goalie Thomas Greiss, who was pulled just 8:06 into the contest after giving up three goals on eight shots.
Jaroslav Halak came in after that to pick up the loss (7-9-5) as the game winner came on the fourth goal by the Flyers. The Islanders did attempt to make a furious comeback after scoring their third goal to make it 5-3 with four minutes left, but Valtteri Filppula scored on an empty net to seal any doubt.
Right wing Cal Clutterbuck (19 pts) ended the shutout for the Islanders with a goal early in the second period. They cut the lead down to 6-2 less than a minute into the third period with a goal by Jason Chimera (30 pts). This was his first point since getting an assist against Columbus back on March 18th.
Everybody gets piece of the action for Flyers
Ultimately six different players scored for Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Right wing Dale Weise (12 pts) started off the rally at the 4:30 mark with his sixth goal of the season. He's had two goals in the last three games. Center Sean Couturier (31 pts) picked up his 13th goal 79 seconds after that to make it 2-0.
Radko Gudas and Jordan Weal would push more air into the balloon to make it 4-0. Right wing Wayne Simmonds (52 pts) scored on a power play at the 15:42 mark.
He also added two assists to finish with three points for the Flyers.
New York hopes to regroup at home against New Jersey on Friday before heading out for a long road trip. Philadelphia will have one more at home against New Jersey before a quick two-game trip to the Rangers and Devils.
