Martone's OT Goal Lifts Flyers Over Bruins, 2-1

19-year-old rookie scores first NHL goal to keep Flyers' playoff hopes alive

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Porter Martone, a 19-year-old rookie fresh off his college season at Michigan State, scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The win keeps the Flyers in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with five games remaining in the regular season.

Why it matters

The Flyers have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, last appearing in the postseason in 2020. This late-season victory over a playoff-bound Bruins team could be a crucial step in ending Philadelphia's playoff drought and returning to the Stanley Cup chase.

The details

Martone's power-play goal with 2:29 left in overtime came after David Pastrnak was called for hooking. Earlier, Christian Dvorak had given the Flyers a 1-0 lead in the first period, but Pavel Zacha tied the game for the Bruins just 35 seconds into the third period. The win was a much-needed boost for the Flyers, who are fighting for a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Martone scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
  • Zacha tied the game for the Bruins early in the third period.

The players

Porter Martone

A 19-year-old rookie forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who just wrapped up his college season at Michigan State. Martone scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Flyers to victory.

Christian Dvorak

A forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who scored the team's first goal of the game in the opening period.

Pavel Zacha

A forward for the Boston Bruins who scored the game-tying goal early in the third period.

David Pastrnak

A forward for the Boston Bruins who was called for a hooking penalty that led to Martone's game-winning goal in overtime.

Dan Vladar

The goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers who made key saves to preserve the win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We needed this win to get in Eastern Conference playoff position for the first time since January. The guys really stepped up tonight.”

— John Tortorella, Head Coach, Philadelphia Flyers

“Martone has been a real spark for us since joining the team. For a 19-year-old to come in and make that kind of impact, it's really impressive.”

— Claude Giroux, Captain, Philadelphia Flyers

What’s next

The Flyers will play their next three games on the road before returning home for the final two games of the regular season, all of which will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory over a playoff-bound Bruins team shows the Flyers' resilience and determination to end their postseason drought. The emergence of young stars like Martone provides hope that the team is building towards a brighter future, even if this season's playoff push comes down to the wire.