Blackwood makes 31 saves, Devils defeat Flyers

PHILADELPHIA -- Mackenzie Blackwood made 31 saves to help the New Jersey Devils to their third straight win, 4-1 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.

"[Blackwood] was a big reason we were able to gain some momentum inside some of the periods," Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. "We had a number of shifts where we got trapped inside our own zone, we were on the ropes, and made a few mistakes. But he covered those mistakes up for us."
Yegor Sharangovich had a goal and an assist, and Jack Hughes had two assists for the Devils (17-27-7), who extended their point streak to four games (3-0-1) following a 10-game skid (0-9-1).
"I think it was all around a really good team effort," New Jersey captain Nico Hischier said. "We're battling out there and we finally got rewarded. It feels good to win games. It's more fun, obviously."

It was the last of a four-game series between the teams. The Flyers won 4-3 in a shootout Sunday in Philadelphia, and the Devils won 6-4 on Tuesday and 5-3 on Thursday in New Jersey.
Each team has been eliminated from contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"Anytime you aren't winning a lot of hockey, confidence is an issue and a factor," Philadelphia coach Alain Vigneault said. "All we can do is get ready for our next game. I thought for the most part, tonight, we were trying to do the right things defensively, do the right things offensively. We were just not able to finish it."
Joel Farabee scored late in the third period for the Flyers (22-22-7), who have lost four of five. Brian Elliott made 17 saves.
"When you're indecisive or not sure, it tends to not turn out well," Elliott said. "I think if we trust our instincts and go with the first play and make it hard, even if it's the wrong play, if you do it hard, it usually works out. I think we just need to be a little bit more decisive and try not to be in between what you're thinking out there."
Jesper Bratt gave the Devils a 1-0 lead at 5:00 of the first period on a shot from the top of the right face-off circle. Rookie defenseman Kevin Bahl had an assist for his first NHL point.
Scott Laughton thought he tied the game for the Flyers when his shot at the left post was inadvertently swept underneath Blackwood by Sharangovich at 9:59, but a Situation Room-initiated video review showed that the puck never crossed the goal line.
Blackwood made four consecutive saves late in the first period, denying Ivan Provorov twice at the left post at 19:38 and consecutive rebound attempts by Sean Couturier from the slot seconds later.
"I think [Blackwood] played unbelievable," Hischier said. "That's what we need from him. It obviously helps us a lot. You were able to see that out there."
Janne Kuokkanen scored on a one-timer from the right face-off circle for a 2-0 lead 52 seconds into the second period.

Hischier scored an unassisted shorthanded goal on a wrist shot from the right circle to make it 3-0 at 5:14 of the third period.
"It was a big moment in the game," Ruff said. "Obviously, we were looking for a big kill for momentum. Part of the big kill was him making the play he made and getting us that shorthanded goal."
Sharangovich made it 4-0 on a wrist shot from the slot at 14:59.
"We're all getting into the games now, figuring out a way how to win games," Bratt said. "We had a lot of blocked shots. We really came together the last couple games as a group, creating a winning mentality."
Farabee scored with 1:18 left for the 4-1 final.
"In these games coming up, we got to grow together, learn from our mistakes," Hischier said. "It's just exciting to be part of this and play with these guys, but right now we're looking forward to finish the season strong and learn a lot."
NOTES: Pavel Zacha had an assist on Bratt's goal to extend his point streak to four games (three goals, three assists). ... Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere was minus-2 with one assist and one shot on goal in 18:53 in his return to the lineup after missing three games with an MCL strain. ... Philadelphia has allowed the first goal in 10 straight games. ... Flyers center Kevin Hayes played his 500th NHL game.