Simmonds scores 3 goals, Mason strong in Philadelphia's 5-2 win over Rangers to force Game 7

PHILADELPHIA - Wayne Simmonds scored three goals and Steve Mason stopped 34 shots to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, forcing a decisive Game 7 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.

There's little time for rest, too. The Flyers and Rangers play again Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Simmonds scored in the first period and twice more in the second for his first career post-season hat trick. Mason survived a busy first period and stopping 31 straight shots until Carl Hagelin scored late in the third. Mats Zuccarello also scored for New York in the final minute.

By the third, Simmonds had already helped stake the Flyers to a 4-0 lead and the outcome was a mere formality.