In a compelling hockey showdown, Trevor Zegras delivered a standout performance against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks, by netting two goals that spearheaded the Philadelphia Flyers to a commanding 5-2 victory at home. This win underscored the Flyers' recent resurgence, marking their fifth triumph in the last seven contests. The Ducks, in contrast, continued their difficult streak, extending their losses to seven consecutive games.
The Tuesday night encounter saw the Philadelphia Flyers exhibit strong offensive prowess, with Zegras leading the charge. His two goals were pivotal in turning the tide after Anaheim initially took the lead. Zegras's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly with two one-timers from a challenging angle, showcased his skill and determination against his former teammates. These crucial goals were set up by Christian Dvorak and Cam York, highlighting effective teamwork within the Flyers' roster.
Further contributing to the Flyers' offensive surge were Cam York and Nikita Grebenkin, both of whom registered a goal and an assist, illustrating a well-rounded team effort. Travis Sanheim also found the back of the net, while goaltender Dan Vladar made 16 saves to secure the win for Philadelphia. The Flyers' dominance was particularly evident in the second period, where they significantly outshot the Ducks 18-5, translating this advantage into critical goals.
Despite an early goal from former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier, who scored his team-leading 20th goal for Anaheim, and another tally from Alex Killorn, the Ducks were unable to withstand Philadelphia's relentless attack. Anaheim's goaltender, Lukas Dostal, faced a barrage of shots, making 34 saves in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort to stem the tide. The game also saw two Flyers players, Bobby Brink and Jamie Drysdale, exit due to injuries, underscoring the physical nature of the contest.
The Flyers' strategic plays, including a goal from York through traffic and a late power-play goal, solidified their lead. Noah Cates also played a crucial role, contributing two assists, while Troy Terry and Jackson LaCombe assisted both of Anaheim's goals. Grebenkin's empty-netter in the final minutes served as the exclamation point, confirming Philadelphia's decisive win and further deepening the Ducks' recent struggles.
The Philadelphia Flyers demonstrated a formidable performance, showcasing both individual brilliance and cohesive team play, leading to a significant win over the Anaheim Ducks, who are currently navigating a challenging period.