Philly Leader

The Philadelphia Flyers ended their 2024-25 season series against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 5-4 overtime defeat at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday. Despite holding leads of 3-0 and 4-2, the Flyers were unable to maintain their advantage.

Noah Cates scored his third goal against the Penguins in two games, giving the Flyers an early lead at 2:00 of the first period. Bobby Brink and Egor Zamula assisted on the play. The Flyers extended their lead to 2-0 early in the second period when Owen Tippett's shot deflected off Ryan Shea into the net, with assists from Nick Seeler and Matvei Michkov.

Matvei Michkov added another goal shortly after a disallowed attempt by Andrei Kuzmenko due to a high stick. Following Michkov's goal, Penguins coach replaced goalie Alex Nedeljkovic with Joel Blomqvist.

Pittsburgh responded with goals from Philip Tomasino and Erik Karlsson within minutes of each other, narrowing the score to 3-2. A hit by Bokondji Imama led to Garnet Hathaway needing assistance off the ice, but a major penalty was reduced to a minor. On this power play, Michkov scored again for a 4-2 lead.

Karlsson then scored his second goal of the game late in the second period, bringing Pittsburgh closer at 4-3. Evgeni Malkin tied it up early in the third period with his third point of the night.

Despite several opportunities, including a power play chance following Tomasino's tripping penalty, neither team could break the tie in regulation. In overtime, Malkin secured victory for Pittsburgh with his second goal of the game during a two-on-one rush.

Samuel Ersson made 20 saves on 25 shots for Philadelphia while Blomqvist stopped 21 out of 22 shots after replacing Nedeljkovic.

"Get an early jump on Penguins: In each of the last two meetings with the Penguins, the Flyers grabbed a quick lead in the first period," said postgame analysis from Flyers staff. "Different nights, different standouts: In last Saturday's game against Edmonton...on Tuesday against...it was Noah Cates line that shined."

Malkin now has increased his career points against Philadelphia to 95 after this match-up where he contributed significantly alongside Kris Letang who set up crucial plays including assisting on Malkin’s winning goal.