Alexei Ponikarovsky beats Flyers after Devils survive two OT power plays

As we noted earlier today, the Philadelphia Flyers' power play struggled through the opening two games of their second round series with the New Jersey Devils scoring just once in 11 opportunities. In Game 3, their issues continued and ended up costing them.

The Flyers went 1-for-5 on the power play in Game 3, but were given two chances in overtime to put the Devils away thanks to a questionable boarding call by Dainius Zubrus and the always pleasant over-the-glass delay of game call by Bryce Salvador. Philadelphia managed just a single shot on those two power plays and with 2:39 left in the extra frame, Alexei Ponikarovsky made them pay with his first goal of the playoffs to give New Jersey a 4-3 victory and 2-1 series lead:

That was Ilya Kovalchuk, he of a goal and two assists, making that goal happen with the beautiful pass catching the Flyers on a bad line change. Kovalchuk, who missed Game 2 with a lower-body injury, showed no signs of wear and, to borrow a phrase from Pierre McGuire, was a "monster" in Game 3.

Game 4 isn't until Sunday and aside from working out their power play issues, the Flyers will also be concerned with the health of rookie forward Sean Couturier, who left the game in the first period with a lower-body injury.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy

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