Tight-fisted hockey games have become the norm for the Flyers thus far this season.
Election Night at the Wells Fargo Center was no different as the Flyers and Red Wings again went extra periods. This time, it took a shootout for the Red Wings' Andreas Athanasiou to win it, 3-2. The victory was the Red Wings' first in Philadelphia since June 3, 1997, ending a streak of 12 straight defeats.
Athanasiou had the tying and winning goals.
The Flyers came into play having been involved in seven consecutive one-goal games.
Steve Mason was making his first start in net in five games while the Flyers had won three of their previous four games.
The Flyers came from behind last week to defeat the Red Wings in overtime here.
NHL
Notable goals
Athanasiou had a superb effort in the third period splitting the Flyers' defense — Brandon Manning and Streit — to score on Mason.
Three goals
The Flyers came into play having held their opponent to less than three goals only twice in 13 games.
Miscues
The Flyers had two turnovers on Detroit’s first goal of the night. Even worse, there were players standing around looking in the slot as Tomas Tatar buried it from eight feet.
Goalie report
Mason’s puck handling has been awful this season. Tatar’s goal was his fault for not covering the puck in front initially before the Red Wings got a hold of it again behind the net. It was passed back in front to Tatar, who got it past Mason to tie the game at 1-1.
Power play
This marked the third straight game the Flyers scored at least one power-play goal. Claude Giroux had two one-timers and buried the second one to Jimmy Howard’s glove hand off a crisp pass from Jakub Voracek early in the game. The Flyers had good pressure, good shots.
Penalty kill
A very strong showing for the Flyers, who shut the Wings down.
Fights
Wayne Simmonds dropped Jonathan Ericsson with a left hand.
Scratches
Defenseman Andrew MacDonald (left knee), forwards Scott Laughton (left knee), Boyd Gordon (back spasms) and Nick Cousins (healthy).
Up next
The Flyers practice on Wednesday at Skate Zone. They play Friday in Toronto as a prelude to Hall of Fame weekend.