ST. PAUL, Minn. — The resurrection of 34-year-old centerman Vinny Lecavalier continued on Tuesday night at Xcel Energy Center.
The Flyers' tough-luck forward notched a clutch third-period goal during a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. That’s three third-period goals for him in the last two games.
Lecavalier (five goals) had been benched seven games and has been back in the lineup for the last four, looking far more aggressive than he had been with the Flyers.
So, the first part of the Flyers' eight-game road trip has ended for the Christmas break with a three-game sweep. They have six points and need 11 or 12 to get themselves back into the playoff picture.
The NHL schedule resumes after the Christmas break on Dec. 27.
Unlike the previous two games in which the Flyers trailed by two early goals, they led by two early goals in this one but gave it up before regaining the lead at 3-2 off Wayne Simmonds’ club-high 15th goal near the end of the second period.
The Flyers have won three straight — tying their best mark three times now.
The Wild had one goal overturned on video review (net off moorings) and another waved off for a high stick.
Notable goals
Sean Couturier picked up his second goal in three games in the opening period, pressuring Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin into a turnover in the high slot, then making a move to the middle to pass the puck to R.J. Umberger at the net. That hard pass, however, went off a skate and in just as Umberger swung at it (missed) on the goal line for a 1-0 lead.
Goalie report
Darcy Kuemper, who had been pulled in four of the Wild’s last five home games, started in goal because Nicklas Backstrom had the flu. Ray Emery battled the puck again, at times, and had trouble seeing through screens but survived once again.
Power play
The Flyers were 0 for 1. The Wild were 1 for 5.
Penalty kill
The Flyers did a very nice job in the first period, pressuring the Wild on entry passes, clearing the zone three times, and tying up pucks along the board to eat up time. Although they gave up one goal, overall the PK was solid the entire game.
Hits
Brayden Schenn, who took a few hits from Dustin Byfuglien on Sunday in Winnipeg, got slammed into the boards by Mat Cooke early in the game but did not miss a shift.
Parise watch
Zach Parise picked up his 19th career assist against the Flyers, giving him 37 points in 43 games against them (mostly as Devil). He had a goal wiped out in the third period on review because the net was momentarily dislodged.
Wayne Train
Simmonds notched his club-high 15th goal late in the second period off some strong board work from linemates Schenn and Scott Laughton to give the Flyers a 3-2 lead.
Faceoffs
Flyers were hammered in the first period, as the Wild won 70 percent of the draws. Through two periods, it was a 60/40 split in the Wild’s favor.
Scratches
Goalie Steve Mason (back spasms) and forward Zac Rinaldo (upper body). Defensemen Michael Del Zotto and Carlo Colaiacovo (both healthy).
Up next
The Flyers are off for three days as part of the NHL’s mandated Christmas break. They will join up in Nashville on Dec. 27, as the eight-game road trip continues against the Predators.