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Flyers inch even closer to Wild Card spot with win over Red Wings

Flyers Red Wings Hockey

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green (25) skate past Philadelphia Flyers left wing Michael Raffl (12) in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

AP

The Philadelphia Flyers couldn’t have asked for a better start to Tuesday’s game.

Playing the Detroit Red Wings with a chance to move within a single point of the final Eastern Conference Wild Card spot, the Flyers came roaring out of the starting gates. They outshot the Red Wings 23-3 and dominated puck possession.

The Flyers also gained a two-goal lead and eventually held on for the 4-3 regulation victory despite a furious comeback attempt from Detroit in the third period.

Michael Raffl scored twice for Philadelphia. Wayne Simmonds also scored and now has 25 goals this season. The Flyers’ impressive rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere notched his 16th goal of the season, as his pass attempt deflected in off a Detroit defender late in the second period.

That goal counted as the winner.

Winners in seven of their last 10 games, the Flyers have moved to within a single point of the Red Wings and that final Wild Card spot. The regulation win was key. And now Philadelphia has two games in hand on Detroit.