Michal Neuvirth stood on his head for more than 60 minutes, but his unblemished afternoon came undone in overtime.
Jeff Carter notched the game-winning goal against his former team as the Los Angeles Kings beat the Flyers, 1-0, in overtime Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center. Carter's goal, which came 2:35 into the extra period, came after Neuvirth had robbed him earlier in the game.
Dave Hakstol's club played another offensively conservative game with a one-man forecheck and not allowing its defense to pinch which kept the game both tight and scoreless. It was a very competitive effort again.
Neuvirth had some outstanding saves to keep the Flyers in a game, simply because of the Flyers' turnovers and lack of quality scoring chances. Instead, it was the Kings that had the majority of the chances throughout the contest.
Neuvirth's second period glove save on Dustin Brown was highlight material after a Jakub Voracek turnover in the high slot (see video).
Best check
Radko Gudas' hit checked Kevin Gravel over the side boards into Steve Mason's lap on Flyers bench. Mason laughed (see video). Gudas came off the ice seconds later and tapped Mason on the head as if to say, ‘sorry pal, couldn't resist it.'
Philadelphia Flyers
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and their rivals in the NHL from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Goalie report
Neuvirth had to make three saves off turnovers directly in front of him in the first period, alone. Peter Budaj came into the game having allowed just three goals during the Kings four-game win streak and recorded his NHL-leading seventh shutout. He didn't face quite the same shot difficulty that Neuvirth did. Besides Brown, Neuvirth denied Tanner Pearson's backhander at the post with 4:24 left in regulation.
Power play
Ivan Provorov's turnover on the Flyers' first opportunity at their bench led to a too many men on the ice call and the PP was over before it started. Their second chance in the third period to break the 0-0 tie was a disaster with puck fumbles and LA clears.
Penalty kill
It was very strong in the first period, attacking the puck and pressuring with three zone clears. Kings were 0 for 2, just like the Flyers.
Fights
Major scrum after Neuvirth was speared in the chest by Kyle Clifford in the second period but no fight or penalties.
Scratches
Defensemen Michael Del Zotto (leg/bone bruise) and Shayne Gostisbehere (healthy); forward Travis Konecny (healthy).
Up next
Flyers will practice Sunday at Skate Zone at 11 a.m. They'll host the St. Louis Blues on Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
