NEW YORK — Rookie Tyson Foerster achieved his first career hat trick, and goalie Aleksei Kolosov stopped 24 shots as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the New York Rangers 8-5 on Wednesday night. This loss puts the Rangers in a precarious position, nearing playoff elimination.
After Sean Couturier`s goal in the third period gave Philadelphia a 5-4 lead, Foerster secured the win with two more goals. Other Flyers contributing to the score were Garnet Hathaway, Travis Sanheim, Jakob Pelletier, and Owen Tippett.
For the Rangers, goals were scored by Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, Jonny Brodzinski, J.T. Miller, and Chris Kreider. The Rangers are now significantly behind Montreal in the race for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, with only four games remaining for both teams.
Mika Zibanejad assisted on four of the Rangers` goals.
Miller briefly put the Rangers ahead 4-3 in the third, but Pelletier quickly tied the game, followed by Couturier`s go-ahead goal. Foerster`s second goal came late in the game, and he completed his hat trick with an empty-netter in the final minute. Tippett added another empty-net goal shortly after.
Jonathan Quick made 21 saves for the Rangers in the loss.
Key Game Highlights
The Rangers` home record worsened to 18-19-3 at Madison Square Garden, a stark contrast to their strong 30-11-0 home record last season.
The Flyers broke a six-game road losing streak with this win, though they have struggled overall since March 4, going 5-11-1.
Game Significance
This game marked a special broadcast as Sam Rosen, the Rangers` long-time play-by-play announcer who is retiring after 40 years, was joined by former partner John Davidson for a final broadcast on TNT.
Notable Stat
Artemi Panarin`s goal was his 300th NHL career goal.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers are scheduled to play the New York Islanders on Thursday, while the Flyers will host the Islanders on Saturday.
Tristan Blackwood