Instant Replay: Flyers 4, Canadiens 2

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BOX SCORE

When the Flyers kicked off their post-Christmas homestand in early January to get within two points of the wild card, it all began with a 4-3 victory over the Canadiens.

They tried to duplicate the effort post-All-Star break on Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Center in a well-played, free-skating game that you would not expect from either team coming off a four-day break.

Wayne Simmonds' second goal of the night broke a 2-2 tie at 11:56 of the third period as the Flyers won 4-2. Jakub Voracek had three assists, Brayden Schenn had a goal and an assist and Matt Read scored an empty-netter.

Radko Gudas was tossed after receiving a five-minute major for clipping, which the Flyers killed, late in the third period.

This was the first of 35 games for the Flyers over the final 70 days of the season, allowing for the extra day the NHL tacked on for the snow postponement last month against the Islanders.

Notable goals
How about Simmonds’ seventh power-play goal of the season early in the first period? Tic-tac-toe puck movement from Voracek on the right boards to Schenn in the left circle and finally to Simmonds for a tap-in goal inside the paint.

Golden chance
Mark Streit had an open net late in the second period and shot the puck into the back glass.

Goalie report
Steve Mason, playing with a suspected bad knee, turned in a solid effort. One goal was deflected on him and he was brilliant during the five-minute major with six saves.

Power play
That first one had everything: Zone time, puck movement, strong shots for a 1-0 lead on Simmonds’ goal. This was one aspect of special teams play that shined.

Penalty kill
If the Flyers are going to make the playoffs, their PK needs a stunning turnaround. Mason was totally without help on the Habs’ first goal, a rebound to Andrei Markov. They did come up big on the five-minute major in the final period.

Goal lead
Simmonds now leads the club with 16 goals.

Ghost watch
Rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere picked up another point with a power-play assist (eight). He has 23 points in 30 games and leads all rookie defensemen in goals (eight) and overall points.

Fights
Lars Eller almost sparked one by deliberately scoring on an empty net during a delayed penalty against Montreal early in the game.

Scratches
Goaltender Michal Neuvirth (suspected groin pull), forwards Jordan Weal (healthy) and R.J. Umberger (healthy) and defenseman Brandon Manning (healthy).

Up next
The Flyers practice on Wednesday then leave for Nashville, where they will face the Predators on Thursday.

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