CHICAGO — What looked like a lost cause at United Center turned around during a furious third period for the Flyers on Tuesday night.
After spotting the Blackhawks a 4-0 lead, the Flyers scored four goals over a 5:26 span from the end of the second period into the third to tie the game only to succumb, 7-4, at the bitter end.
The Flyers return home from their three-game, eight-day western road trip late Tuesday with just three points (1-1-1) in what was a disappointing start to the season.
The 'Hawks got an early goal from Patrick Kane, then two more in the final 2:34 of the first period to build an imposing 3-0 lead on goalie Michal Neuvirth, who was yanked for Steve Mason.
The Flyers came into play having won 13 of the past 18 regular-season games against Chicago, including a two-game sweep last season.
Milestone
The Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa needed one goal for 500 lifetime and got it at 5:04 of the second period on a power-play rush into the zone with a weak backhander that chased Neuvirth from the game. Hossa is fourth among active players in goal scoring.
Notable goals
That would be Matt Read’s two goals, especially his marker in the slot early in the third period to cut the Flyers’ deficit to 4-2. Read and Sean Couturier lead the club with three goals this season.
Goalie report
Neuvirth had a disastrous game, yielding four goals on just 16 shots before being relieved by Mason. At least two of them were his fault.
Wraparound
That’s how the 'Hawks scored in the opening minute of play as Kane dug a rebound out of a pile that Neuvirth lost after an initial save on Artem Anisimov to make it 1-0.
Power play
The 'Hawks came into play having yielded seven goals on 13 kills — awful! The Flyers were 2 for 4 on the power play Tuesday night. Read scored a late power-play goal in the second period to make it 4-1 and then Wayne Simmonds had one in the third period.
Penalty kill
The Flyers had killed 6 of 7 on the season. They gave up two in this game. One was a drive from the circle by Artemi Panarin and the other was Hossa’s 500th.
Injuries
Michael Raffl was injured (upper body) midway into the second period. He did not return to the game and there was no further word on his condition.
Scratches
Brayden Schenn and Radko Gudas are suspended; Scott Laughton and Michael Del Zotto both have knee injuries; Nick Cousins was healthy.
Up next
This concludes the Flyers' three-game, eight-day road trip out west. They return for Thursday’s home opener against Anaheim. The pregame will include a special tribute to the franchise’s founding father, Ed Snider, who died last April.
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