Nicolas Deslauriers’ shorthanded tally helps lead Flyers over Red Wings

This was almost James van Riemsdyk’s first game against the Flyers after the trade deadline. But the reported deal between Philadelphia and Detroit fell through, so this was just another game on the schedule.

Well, this was a game that ended up featuring a Nicolas Deslauriers’ shorthanded goal. Yes, that actually happened. It was the Flyers’ 11th shorthanded goal of the season, tying them for first in the league with the Carolina Hurricanes. Brad Shaw’s “power kill” struck again.

The Flyers had more than a few chances during the first period. Ville Husso robbed Philadelphia on numerous occasions. A few of those came off the stick of Joel Farabee, who came into the game with a 21-game goalless drought.

"“Around the net, making plays, he was more confident with the puck. God, he could have had two or three. That’s the first step, right? He’s involved in the offense. You noticed him tonight so hopefully he’ll just keep on growing from there.” John Tortorella said after the game."

It was off one of those chances that Detroit ended up scoring the game’s first goal.

Morgan Frost set up Owen Tippett in front, but the Red Wings’ goaltender made the save. Detroit, using a turnover in their own end, ended the possession with David Perron’s 16th of the season. Andrew Copp carried it up the ice and used a give-and-go with Perron to set up the goal. That was Detroit’s second shot of the period as they would end up being outshot 7-2 almost 10 minutes into the game. Sometimes, however, it’s more about quality than quantity.

Detroit would carry that 1-0 lead into the second period. The Flyers would end up on the penalty kill five minutes into the second as Nick Seeler was called for hooking. But that’s where Deslauriers came in. He blocked a Jake Walman pass at the point and was off to the races, with nothing but clear ice in front of him. Simply skating in, Deslauriers went to one leg and fired one up and over the glove of Husso. And the celebration said it all. It was the third shorthanded goal of his career and his first since the 2021-22 season with Anaheim.

"“The funny part is that I am not here to score goals, but when I do, the guys are pumped. When I go to touch hands, they are all laughing. It is great.” Deslauriers said about the team’s reaction to his goal."

The Flyers took their first lead of the game about six minutes later thanks to a Noah Cates’ deflection in front. Cycling the puck around the zone, Cates actually was along the boards before heading toward the front of the net. Rasmus Ristolainen sent the puck over to Seeler who then fired a shot on net. Cates, at the right place at the right time, had the nifty deflection past Husso.

It was Cates’ 10th goal of the season, becoming the seventh Flyer to hit double-digit goals on the season. That helped send Philadelphia to the second intermission with the lead. Now it was all about finding a way to close things out.

Carter Hart wasn’t busy for large parts of the third as he faced only three shots halfway through the period. The Flyers played solid defensively for most of the night, limiting Detroit’s shot opportunities.

Scott Laughton, appearing in his 500th career game, would ice this one with the empty netter. Moritz Seider broke his stick on a shot attempt, allowing Laughton the opportunity to fire the puck down the ice. With the 3-1 victory, the Flyers will head on a three-game road trip against some of the league’s top teams.