PHILADELPHIA — The Columbus Blue Jackets nearly let a three-goal lead slip away Tuesday night, but recovered in overtime to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-3, at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Columbus appeared headed for a comfortable victory after scoring three goals in less than three minutes during the first period. Philadelphia slowly worked its way back, however, eventually tying the game with just 11 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.
Adam Fantilli got the scoring started for Columbus at the 9:02 mark of the first period, beating Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar with a wrist shot. Kent Johnson and Jake Christiansen assisted on the goal, giving the Blue Jackets an early advantage.
Johnson followed just 1:56 later with a goal of his own, redirecting a shot from Zach Werenski past Vladar. Valeri Nichushkin also picked up an assist, as Columbus quickly doubled its lead.
Denton Mateychuk made it 3-0 just 50 seconds later, scoring on a snap shot with assists from Mathieu Olivier and Matthew Knies. The Blue Jackets took that three-goal advantage into the first intermission.
Philadelphia began its comeback in the second period when Noah Cates scored to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Flyers continued applying pressure, but Columbus carried a two-goal lead into the final period.
Trevor Zegras brought Philadelphia within one with 4:56 remaining in regulation, converting a chance assisted by Christian Dvorak and Travis Sanheim. The goal gave the Flyers new life and set up a frantic finish.
With Philadelphia pressing for the equalizer, Jamie Drysdale scored with just 11 seconds remaining, beating Cam Talbot to tie the game at three. Tyson Foerster and Zegras assisted on the goal, completing Philadelphia's comeback from a 3-0 deficit.
Columbus responded in overtime to escape with the 4-3 victory, improving to 5-5-0 on the season. The Blue Jackets have now won consecutive overtime games after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights, 2-1, on Saturday.
What's Next
The Blue Jackets continue their road trip Thursday, October 29, when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes. Columbus will then travel to Dallas to face the Stars on Saturday, October 31.
