Samuel Ersson stands strong in shootout as Flyers top Habs

Jan 10, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson (33) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky (20) during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost each scored one goal in regulation, Samuel Ersson stopped all three shots he faced in a shootout and the host Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Wednesday.

Sean Couturier scored the lone goal for the Flyers in the shootout.

Jamie Drysdale, who was just acquired from the Ducks on Monday in a trade that sent Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim, recorded his first assist with Philadelphia.

Ersson made 17 saves in regulation and overtime.

David Savard and Sean Monahan scored one goal apiece for the Canadiens.

Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau stopped 37 shots.

Frost nearly ended the game 3:27 into overtime with a snap shot from point-blank range. Primeau was able to corral the puck and hold it for a whistle.

Montreal’s Josh Anderson then had a great opportunity on a breakaway with 16 seconds remaining, but he too failed to convert.

Sean Walker took a strong slap shot at 3:56 of the third period, but Primeau was able to make a nifty glove save.

On Montreal’s next rush, Monahan had another good scoring opportunity, but Ersson was able to stick his pad out to deflect the puck.

Canadiens defenseman Justin Barron skated in with a strong yet unsuccessful backhand shot at 7:09, and Couturier pounced on a turnover and had his wrist shot saved at 13:54.

The Canadiens went ahead 1-0 at 1:29 of the first period when Monahan redirected Barron’s shot in front to elude Ersson.

Joel Farabee had a stellar chance to equalize at 7:22 but shot wide on a near-empty net.

Montreal took a 2-0 advantage at 11:28 when Savard fired a slap shot from the point. The puck appeared to carom off Frost.

The Flyers closed within 2-1 at 15:41 when Tippett scored from a tough angle.

The Canadiens scored their two goals on two total shots in the period.

Philadelphia stayed aggressive and tied the game at 2 at 8:30 of the second when Frost’s wrist shot went under Primeau’s glove.

–Field Level Media

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