Long layoffs haven’t been kind to the Flyers this season, especially after winning streaks of three games.
Which is something they wanted to reverse against the suddenly-struggling Islanders on Thursday night at Wells Fargo Center with a four-game win streak on the line.
In a game the Flyers had to win -- 10 points out of a wild card playoff berth -- against a Metro Division opponent ahead of them, they lost 3-2 in the shootout. Cal Clutterbuck scored the winner.
Steve Mason did everything he could to protect a 2-0 lead, but by the end of the second period it was 2-2 affair.
Jaroslav Halak had a save on Sean Couturier at the end of overtime on a breakaway.
The Isles defeated the Flyers earlier this season, 1-0 in a shootout.
Shootout
The Flyers were 2-5 before tonight. They had won two shootouts in a row prior to Thursday's defeat.
Notable goals
Chris VandeVelde’s continued strong play showed in the second period on a 2-on-2 rush as he came up the ice, carefully measured Halak, then slapped a wrister from below the right circle up high for a 2-0 lead at 16:48.
Goalie report
Remember how spectacular Mason was in losing a 1-0 shootout to the Isles in November? Well, he was pretty good in this one, as well. The Isles could have easily had a 3-1 lead after the first period. Instead they trailed, 1-0.
Power play
The Flyers had a golden chance early in the third period and could not convert. The Isles and Flyers were both 0 for 1.
Penalty kill
The Flyers weren’t taxed in this game.
Notable saves
Mikhail Grabovski made life miserable for him with six shots through two periods. Grabovski scored off a Luke Schenn turnover to make it 2-1.
Injuries
Isles defenseman Johnny Boychuk blocked a shot late in the second period and had to be assisted off the ice. He did return.
Fights
Ryan White had his first fight as a Flyer and second of his career against Matt Martin. A draw.
Scratches
Defensemen Braydon Coburn (fractured left foot) and Carlo Colaiacovo (healthy); forward Michael Raffl (pneumonia).
Suspended
Zac Rinaldo served the fourth of an eight-game suspension.
Up next
The Flyers have a couple days off before they travel to Washington for a Sunday matinee against the Capitals.