Alexei Ponikarovsky's goal 17:21 into overtime gave the New Jersey Devils a hard-fought Game 3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, pushing them to a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. His goal came on a rebound given up by Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov after a poor Philly line change left a 2-on-1 break for the Devils wide open.
Devils Vs. Flyers, Game 2 Score: Alexei Ponikarovsky Wins It For New Jersey
Danny Briere forced overtime with his goal at the 11:04 mark of the third, on an oddly similar play to Ponikarovsky's game winner. A puck bounced off goalie Martin Brodeur and back to Briere, who batted it home for the rebound goal.
Philly had two power play opportunities in the overtime period. On the first, the Flyers passed the puck around the perimeter for what seemed like the entire duration of the man advantage. On the second, New Jersey’s phenomenal penalty kill thwarted every chance the Flyers had at setting up a scoring opportunity.
That was likely the difference in the game. New Jersey has held court thus far on home ice and they’ll try to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on Sunday at Prudential Center.
We have full coverage of Game 2 between the Flyers and Devils in our StoryStream. For more on the Flyers, check in with Broad Street Hockey. For more on the Devils, check in with In Lou We Trust.
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