The Flyers squandered a pretty good first couple of periods by the embattled Ilya Brygalov, leaving him on his own for most of the third period, at which point the Devils took full advantage of a lethargic defence and less than overwhelming offensive play, grabbing a 4-1 victory and putting their Eastern semi final at a tie heading home to Newark.
The Flyers had a full implosion in Game 2, Bryzgalov the only one it seemed that was on his game, ironic as it is, as on this night the rest of the Flyers looked over-matched.
The Devils missing their top goal scorer Ilya Kovalchuk still found the net, with all four of their goals coming in a third period where the Flyers all but abandoned their goaltender in his own end.
Philly grabbed an early 1-0 lead, leaving many on the home side to think that yet another Flyers' victory was to be delivered, however the Devils, who rarely seem to get rattled, regrouped and took much of the play to the Flyers through periods 2 and 3, the latter finding a reward for their hard work with the four goals, all of them unanswered by a Flyers team that seemed to find all its flaws delivered in one period.
Whether that rattles them for the rest of the series remains to be seen, but considering the Flyers history in these 2012 playoffs, not taking advantage of a standout game by their goaltender, who despite the four goals against had a fairly impressive time of it in the Philly nets.
When they run the film of game two, providing Peter Laviolette feels so inclined, there will be many points to be discussed, not many of them revolving around the goaltending of Brygalov in this one.
For the Devils, building on the momentum of a win in Philly is yet another building block for a team that has been flying under the radar for much of this playoff year, probably just like the Devils like it we imagine.
Game Three-- Philadelphia 3 at New Jersey 4 (OT)
New Jersey leads the series 2 games to 1
Previews and Reviews
POST GAME
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' 4-3 overtime win over the Flyers in Game 3
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils Patrik Elias breaks through with elusive goal in 4-3 overtime win
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils praise Ilya Kovalchuk for performance after back problems
Newark Star Ledger-- An ailing Ilya Kovalchuk is still better than most
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils shrug off pressure of overtime in playoffs
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils best Flyers in overtime, 4-3, to take 2-1 series ...
NY Post-- Devils defeat Flyers in Game 3 overtime, lead series
NY Daily News-- Alex Ponikarovsky scores overtime goal to lift NJ Devils to 4-3 victory...
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Gamesmanship pays off for wily Brodeur
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Flyers lose Game 3 in overtime
Philadelphia Daily News-- Flyers fall in overtime, trail in series
Philadelphia Daily News-- Still hard to find words to explain Flyers-Devils series
Philadelphia Daily News-- Flyers' power play loses punch
Philadelphia Daily News-- Flyers ratings double Phils + 76ers
Globe and Mail-- Ponikarovsky the hero as Devils take series lead over Flyers
Globe and Mail-- Hockey returning to Pennsyvlania city that helped inspire Slat Shot
National Post-- Devils hold off Flyers for overtime win
PRE GAME
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk said he's ready to play in Game 3 ...
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' Ilya Kovalchuk takes part in morning skate despite herniated disc
Newark Star Ledger-- Travis Zajac's season almost ended early but he's now Devils leading ...
NY Post-- Devils look to avoid letdown in Game 3 vs. Flyers tonight
NY Post-- Devils' Kovalchuk 'feels good' will be game-time decision
NY Post-- Devils coach says pressure's on favoured Flyers
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Home Ice advantage? Who cares?
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Flyers need to go back to their bully roots vs. Devils
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Kovy: "Ready to go" vs. Flyers
Philadelphia Daily News-- Jagr Sticks with his faith
Philadelphia Daily News-- Playoff veterans must show kids the way
Philadelphia Daily News-- Sloppy ice in Newark?
Previous items on this series
Game Two
Game One
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