Flyers Survive Late Red Wings Rally, Win 5-3

Owen Tippett's hat trick helps Philadelphia hold off Detroit's comeback attempt.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:19am

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The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 on Saturday night, with Owen Tippett scoring a hat trick for the Flyers. Philadelphia built a 4-0 lead late in the game, but Detroit mounted a furious comeback, scoring three goals in 2:31 to make it a one-goal game. However, the Flyers held on, with Sean Couturier adding an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

Why it matters

This was a key win for the Flyers, who are now just three points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot. The loss was a tough one for the Red Wings, who are now tied with the Ottawa Senators and just one point ahead of the Flyers in the standings.

The details

Tippett's hat trick gave him seven goals in his last nine games, and the Flyers have now won seven of those nine contests. Philadelphia jumped out to a 4-0 lead, with Tippett scoring twice and Noah Cates adding a power-play goal. Detroit mounted a late comeback, with Mason Appleton, Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond scoring in a span of 2:31 to make it a 4-3 game, but Couturier's empty-netter sealed the win for the Flyers.

  • The Flyers took the lead just 4:07 into the game.
  • Tippett scored his second goal at 12:22 of the second period.
  • Cates scored the Flyers' third goal with less than four minutes to play in the second period.
  • Tippett completed his hat trick with a power-play goal at 7:19 of the third period.
  • Detroit scored three goals in a 2:31 span late in the third period to make it a one-goal game.

The players

Owen Tippett

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored a hat trick in the game.

Sean Couturier

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

Mason Appleton

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings who scored one of the team's three late goals.

Alex DeBrincat

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings who scored one of the team's three late goals.

Lucas Raymond

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings who scored one of the team's three late goals.

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What they’re saying

“We must have more urgency and focus for a full 60 minutes. Giving up a 4-0 lead is unacceptable, even with the late push.”

— Derek Lalonde, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

“Tippett has been a huge spark for us lately. His ability to score in bunches is a big reason we've been able to climb back into the playoff race.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

What’s next

The Flyers will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Red Wings will aim to regroup and find more consistency over the final weeks of the season.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Flyers' offensive firepower, led by Tippett's hat trick, as well as the Red Wings' ability to mount a late comeback, though they ultimately fell short. Both teams will need to find ways to play a complete 60-minute game if they hope to secure a postseason berth.