Zegras tied it 1-1 on the power play at 5:18. His one-timer from the right face-off circle went past Skinner’s glove.
The Flyers, who had the League’s worst power play during the regular season (15.7 percent), were 0-for-8 with the man-advantage to that point of the series.
“Kind of struggled a little bit the first couple of games,” Zegras said. “Thought we had some good looks, but obviously just didn’t capitalize. So nice seeing one go in on the power play.”
Philadelphia was on the power play after all 10 skaters on the ice were sent to the penalty box following a scrum that began with Rust and Flyers forward Travis Konecny falling to the ice behind the Pittsburgh net. The Flyers got a power play when Rust was assessed a double-minor for roughing.
“It took forever to get back playing hockey,” Skinner said. “Everyone was just sitting around for what felt like forever. I don’t remember waiting that long for a puck drop maybe ever. Obviously, circumstances had it that the refs had to take some time. It just took a while. And then it was able to benefit them. … And then momentum shifts. They score a goal.”
Ristolainen put the Flyers ahead 2-1 at 9:06 with a shot from the right face-off circle between Skinner’s pads.
Seeler then made it 3-1 at 11:18 when he scored from the point off a D-to-D pass from Juulsen.
“‘Juuls’ made a great play over to me,” Seeler said. “We had a great screen in front and I’m thankful it went in.”
Karlsson scored a power-play goal to make it 3-2 at 9:39 of the third period, one-timing a pass from Rickard Rakell that found space between Vladar’s right arm and body.
“Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”