GLENDALE, Ariz. — On one shot, the Flyers lost two video reviews and then a key game in the playoff chase.
Michael Stone’s goal as time expired in the second period withstood a clock review and coach Dave Hakstol’s challenge for goalie interference, the decisive moment in the Flyers’ frustrating 2-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday night.
The Flyers outshot the Coyotes, 35-17. They saw Claude Giroux tripped headfirst into the boards by Martin Hanzal. Wayne Simmonds immediately went after Hanzal, leading to a late melee, a 10-minute misconduct for Simmonds and a banged-up Giroux going straight to the dressing room.
The ensuing power play produced Sean Couturier’s goal with 40 seconds left, but there wasn’t enough time for the equalizer.
The Flyers stayed tied for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot with Detroit, which lost earlier to Pittsburgh, 7-2 (see NHL wrap). The Flyers fell four points behind the Islanders for the top wild-card spot after New York beat Carolina, 4-3, in overtime (see wild-card standings).
With Arizona leading late in the second period, 1-0, Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning bumped Max Domi in front of the net. Domi’s arm hit goaltender Steve Mason’s mask. Mason then never saw Stone’s point shot whip by him as the clock ran out.
NHL
Mason tugged at his mask in protest as the referees went to first check on the time. It was determined the goal came with 0.5 seconds left.
Hakstol then issued a coach's challenge, but after another review, the goal stood.
Shane Doan also scored a power-play goal in a second period in which Arizona built a 2-0 lead despite being outshot, 18-7.
Doan and Stone both left with injuries in the third period, but the Flyers couldn’t solve goalie Mike Smith until it was too late.
Mason stopped 15 shots in his 10th start in 11 games, but the Flyers finished their road trip 2-1-1 and fuming.
Goalie report
Mason was barely tested before giving up a fat rebound on Antoine Vermette’s shot that led to Doan’s goal. Arizona had eight shots halfway through the game.
Mason vehemently protested after Stone’s goal, but to no avail.
At some point, rookie Anthony Stolarz will have to make his NHL debut in the thick of a playoff race to give Mason a blow. The Flyers still have three sets of back-to-backs remaining.
Power play
Ineffective until Couturier’s wrist shot late. The Flyers nearly gave up a second goal to Doan when he left the box late in the second period and had a breakaway. His shot was wide.
Penalty kill
The Flyers entered having killed 24 of the past 25 penalties, then didn’t even allow an Arizona shot on its first two power plays.
The first power-play shot they allowed was Vermette’s on the third penalty kill, leading to Doan’s rebound goal.
Injury report
All four scratches were healthy: Centers Jordan Weal, R.J. Umberger and Scott Laughton and defenseman Evgeny Medvedev.
Gagner’s return
It was the first game in Arizona for Flyers center Sam Gagner since the Coyotes traded him last June for Nick Grossmann.
Gagner, now a third-line right wing, was robbed of a goal on Smith’s quick-reaction save of his redirect in the first period.
Grossmann was scratched for a fourth straight game.
Father vs. son
Flyers center Brayden Schenn delivered the biggest hit of the night — on assistant coach Gord Murphy’s son. Connor Murphy was leveled in the corner midway through the second period.
Not only was Murphy facing his dad, it was his 23rd birthday.
Up next
The Flyers planned to stay in the desert overnight and return to Philadelphia in the morning. They’ll host Winnipeg on Monday in their 10th game in 17 days. Five of the Flyers’ final eight games are at home.