Flyers win third straight with decision over Predators

PHILADELPHIA — The Flyers Trevor Zegras hit for a double and collected three points on Thursday night in a 4-1 win over the vising Nashville Predators.

A shot by Ozzy Wiesblatt #89 of the Nashville Predators strikes his teammate on his gloved hand

It was the Flyers’ third straight win.

“I just try to play a good game every time I go out there and feed off my teammates that are doing the right things,” Zegras said. “I thought Dan (Vladar) played unbelievable tonight, kept us in it for the first couple periods until we found our legs a little bit. Another two big points at home.”

Vladar made 32 saves in the win.

“He was great,” Flyers head coach Rock Tocchet said. “He was the difference-maker. We were kind of asleep for a couple periods, and he was our smelling salt. He was really good.”

Matthew Wood was the lone striker for the Predators, he picked up his first career NHL goal.

“Another tough loss,” Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly said. “Disappointing. Had some good opportunities; it could have been different. But that’s the way it’s going right now, so we’ll keep fighting.”

Jamie Drysdale and Travis Konecny scored single markers for the Flyers, and Matvei Michkov picked up a pair of assists in the win.

After a scoreless first period, Zegras hit for his first just past the midway point of the second period.

“He plays with his head up, and he knows where everybody is on the ice,” Zegras said of Michkov. “So it was a great play by him.”

Three minutes later the Flyers took a 2-0 lead on a strike by Drysdale.

“Definitely feels nice,” he said. “It was ugly, just squeaked in, but sometimes you’ve got to start with that. Heck of a pass by [Michkov] and it was nice to get one.”

Wiid trimmed the deficit to 2-1 late in the middle frame.

“He works so hard, had some great chances,” the Preds; Ryan O’Reilly said. “It’s nice to get that first one for him. Very proud of him. It’s going to be first of many for him. He’s a great player, and obviously a positive there.”

Zegras hit for his double with seven minutes gone in the third for a 3=1 advantage to the Flyers.

“They have their [defenseman] back in that circle so there’s a lot more time and space up top with it,” York said. “That was a great pre-scout there by Jay (Varady, assistant coach) and we were able to execute it.”

Travis Konecny hit an empty net for the 4-1 final.

Juuse Saros made 14 saves in the loss.

Matthew Wood #71 of the Nashville Predators receives congratulations from his teammates for his goal against the Philadelphia Flyers.

A shot by Matthew Wood #71 of the Nashville Predators scores against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Referee Alex Lepkowski (#44) signals goal as goalscorer Jamie Drysdale #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates with fans.

Trevor Zegras #46 of the Philadelphia Flyers

Owen Tippett #74 of the Philadelphia Flyers reacts to the goal by Trevor Zegras #46 of the Philadelphia Flyers

Trevor Zegras #46 of the Philadelphia Flyers

Jamie Drysdale #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers pursues Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators for control of the puck.

Dan Vladar #80 of the Philadelphia Flyers makes a glove save.

Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators wins the face-off against Sean Couturier #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers

Sean Couturier #14 of the Philadelphia Flyers blocks a shot with his stick as Flyers goalie Dan Vladar #80 dives across the crease.

Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Nashville Predators watches as Cam York #8 of the Philadelphia Flyers shuttle passes the puck to teammate Tyson Foerster #71

Nick Seeler #24 of the Philadelphia Flyers stick checks Michael McCarron #47 of the Nashville Predators as Philadelphia Flyers goalie Dan Vladar #80 lock the puck with his stick