Couturier hat trick, Konecny’s 5 points, and Flyers’ resilience: 3 reasons why Philadelphia Flyers won 7-5 against Minnesota Wild

The Philadelphia Flyers outshined the Minnesota Wild 7-5 on Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo Center.

The seven-goal outburst powered the Flyers, who led 2-0 in the first period but trailed 3-4 heading into the third. Sean Couturier notched his 500th career point, scoring three goals and two assists.

Travis Konecny added a goal and four assists, with Nick Seeler, Matvei Michkov, and Rasmus Ristolainen adding the others. Meanwhile, Brock Faber, Marcus Foligno, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Jake Middleton scored for the Wild.

So, let’s look at the three reasons why the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon.

Three reasons why Philadelphia Flyers defeated Minnesota Wild

#3. Sean Couturier broke out of his slump

Heading into the game, Couturier had yet to register a goal. But on Saturday afternoon, Couturier exploded with a hat trick. He opened the scoring a little over a minute into the game, notching his first of the season.

Then, Couturier found the back of the next in the third to give the Flyers a 5-4 lead. With the game 6-5 and a minute to go, the American-born Canadian added an empty-netter to seal the win. The offensive outburst was crucial for Couturier, as he’s been in the doghouse due to his lack of production. The Flyers hope this game marks a turning point for the team captain.

#2. Konecny upped the ante

Travis Konecny also exploded for five points on Saturday afternoon. He scored a power play goal to tie the game at four early in the third. He added four assists, particularly helping set up Ristolainen’s game-winner.

Konecny’s performance is most welcome, as he entered the game with three goals in seven games. The five-point breakout earned Konecny the game’s third star while showing promise for a Flyers’ turnaround as the team looks to exit the Metro Division cellar.

#1. The Flyers bounced back despite giving up lead

The Philadelphia Flyers jumped out to an early two-goal lead less than four minutes into the game. However, the Wild chipped away at the lead, tying the game in the second. After the Flyers took a 3-2 lead, the Wild scored twice to take a 4-3 lead early in the third.

But the Flyers showed their resilience. Konecny tied the game, and Couturier again gave the Flyers the lead. Then, Middleton tied the after midway through the third, setting the stage for an exciting finish.

The Flyers scored with less than three minutes to take a 6-5 lead before Couturier iced the game for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Overall, the win bodes well for the struggling Flyers, who scored more than two goals on the Wild’s tight defense. The Wild had not allowed more than two goals this season until Saturday afternoon.

The Flyers will play their third back-to-back this season, hosting the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.