Sean Couturier's hat trick leads Flyers in wild win over Minnesota

If you had the Flyers handing the Minnesota Wild their first regulation loss of the season, maybe go play the lottery or something.

Buckle up, because this was a wild game. And not just because of the team playing in it. Each team held multiple leads, one of which was by multiple goals. Entering play, the Wild had not trailed for a second in their first seven games. Against the Flyers, they were down four separate times. They could not come back from the final deficit.

Despite having three shots in the first period, Philadelphia scored on two. Sean Couturier's first was 1:18 into the game while Nick Seeler's was 3:51 into the first. After saving the first shot, Filip Gustavsson allowed goals on three of his next five shots. But Minnesota took advantage of the Flyers' inability to create chances after their second goal.

Brock Faber and Marcus Foligno quickly tied the game in the second with two goals in 33 seconds. That's what happens when you go over 20 minutes between shots. After Philadelphia's second goal, they did not register another shot for 21 and a half minutes.

Philadelphia went ahead late in the second on a goal by Matvei Michkov, but again, the Wild answered back with Joel Eriksson Ek. Get used to that trend for a few goals. Six goals were scored between the two teams in the final period. Whenever one team took the lead, the other would answer. Foligno scored his second 2:18 into the third, but Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier answered.

Jake Middleton tied the game, but it would be the last time Minnesota was able to say that. A goal from Rasmus Ristolainen was the game-winner, but Sean Couturier added an empty netter to seal the deal.

It broke a six game losing streak in a big way.

Sean Couturier registers third career hat trick

It had been a rough start offensively for the Flyers' captain. He had one point in seven games. But there were signs that things were starting to come around. Despite not registering a point against the Capitals, Couturier played a large role in two of the goals. His screens took the eyes away from the goaltender, allowing the Flyers to score. This time, he let his offense do the talking.

On a line with Michkov and Konecny, Couturier had by far his best game of the season. We'll talk about that line in a minute. The Flyers kicked this one off early. A Ristolainen blast from the point was saved by Gustavsson, but the rebound kicked out to Couturier who quickly fired it into the back of the net.

His second of the night came in the chaotic third period. This one was all about the fight to not let the play die from the captain. Nick Seeler's shot from the point came on Gustavsson, who made the original save. Couturier kept jamming for the puck and was able to get it around the pad of the Minnesota goaltender. That's the kind of effort you want to see from your captain.

His third goal was the easiest of all as it came with the Minnesota net empty. With two goals already, you know his teammates were going to make sure he had every chance to get the hat trick.

Top line combines for 12 points

With all the talk about John Tortorella's line shuffling, his moves paid off in a big way in this one. Reuniting Couturier, Michkov, and Konecny led to an outpouring of offense. One, or multiple of them, played a role in all seven goals for the Flyers.

Aside from the three goals, Couturier had two assists as well. Konecny scored a goal and had five points as well. Michkov scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season and first one on home ice. He had an assist as well. Playing together for nearly 12 minutes at even strength, the three posted a 67.33 xGF%. They were only on the ice for one goal against and had the edge in high-danger chances (7-4).

Safe to say that Tortorella is not going to be breaking up this line any time soon.

Defense chips in on offense

Aside from those three, the Flyers got contributions from the backend as well. In his second game of the season, Seeler scored his first of the season. He has already matched his total from last year and needs four more for a new career high. That's not the main purpose of what he does on the ice, but it was nice to see him chipping in. He's been a welcomed sight on the ice for Philadelphia.

It was a heck of a shot from Seeler as well. Coming in as the late mate, Konecny found the streaking defenseman with one heck of a pass. He had all the time in the world to glide into the shot.

Ristolainen, who has played well lately, did just about everything for the Flyers. Not only did he score and have two points, he laid out five hits, blocked two shots, and was credited with a takeaway. If Philadelphia does look into moving him, games like this will go a long way in building up his value.

But going back to the goal, it turned out to be the one that mattered in the end. Tied at 5-5 late in the third period, Ristolainen decided he wanted to get in on the goal-scoring fun. It was a tic-tac-toe play between Michkov, Konecny, and Couturier. But Gustavsson came up with the save.

With Ristolainen in front, he bullied his way in and slammed the puck into the open cage to give the Flyers what would be their final lead of the game. His celebration said it all.

The Flyers won't have a ton of time to celebrate this one as they welcome in the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night.