Flyers defeat the Rangers as Tyson Foerster provides game-winner in a rookie game overtime thriller

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Even in rookie camp, there’s no such thing as an easy game for the Flyers.

The Flyers and Rangers rookies kept the score even through regulation Friday night in their first of two rookie games this weekend at the PPL Center. But the Flyers prevailed in overtime, 2-1, thanks to a Tyson Foerster goal assisted by Elliot Desnoyers. Phantoms head coach Ian Laperrière was pleased with Foerster’s overall performance, as he showcased his physicality and his shooting ability ahead of training camp.

“He scored in overtime, which is great, which for me was like, ‘Wow, that’s how it feels to win in overtime,’” Laperrière said with a laugh.

Swedish left winger Olle Lycksell notched the Flyers’ first goal in the second period, 12 minutes after Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson kicked off the scoring. The Flyers then controlled the pace of play throughout majority of the third period, outshooting the Rangers, 13-4, but weren’t able to seal the deal after 60 minutes. Overall, the Flyers were solid defensively, limiting the Rangers rookies to just 19 shots on goal.

“I was very happy about the effort,” Laperrière said. “They worked hard. They made mistakes, yes, but they played for one another, and they only have been practicing for two days together, which is pretty impressive.”

» READ MORE: Flyers winger Tyson Foerster looking to round out his pro game with a physical edge

After spending the last four seasons playing in the Swedish Hockey League, most recently for the Växjö Lakers, Lycksell will make the North American transition this upcoming season. The 23-year-old Lycksell, who was selected by the Flyers in the sixth round of the 2017 draft, flashed his two-way skill and increased strength in the second period with the Flyers down 1-0. He won a puck battle along the boards in the Flyers’ zone, fended off opponents on the rush down the right wing, put the puck past Rangers goalie Talyn Boyko, and evened the score.

“I’m working hard on my speed,” Lycksell said. “And, obviously, those extra pounds came in use there. That was a nice play. It really came in handy.”

» READ MORE: Ian Laperrière excited to work with so many new faces during his second Flyers rookie camp

After growing up playing hockey together at Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Minn., and at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, forwards Jackson and Noah Cates partnered up on the Flyers’ top line alongside Foerster, the right winger. Coming off of a 16-game stint with the Flyers last season, Noah stood out early against the Rangers with his playmaking ability and solid defensive play. Early in first period, he hit defenseman Mason Millman at the blue line with a cross-seam pass, who fired a shot toward the net. Foerster wasn’t able to stuff home the rebound.

Foerster continued to see scoring chances come his way, both at five-on-five and during an early 5-on-3 power play, but he wasn’t able to capitalize through regulation. However, Foerster remained committed to putting the puck on the net, scoring to seal the Flyers’ win in overtime.

“I think my line played great,” Foerster said. “We got lots of chances. We were in their zone most of the game, just couldn’t find a way to score there. Even that 5-on-3, I think we should have scored there to set the pace of the game. But we came out with a win and that’s all that matters.”

Desnoyers is staring down an important camp, as he looks to make the full-time jump to professional hockey from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season. Desnoyers, a 20-year-old center, started the game on a mission on the Flyers’ second line and helped create their best scoring chance of the first period. He set up right winger Zayde Wisdom in the low slot for a point-blank shot on Rangers goalie Dylan Garand, but Wisdom’s shot deflected wide. Desnoyers had a scoring chance of his own early in the first period from the low slot, but Boyko denied his attempt.

“For me, it was just [important] to have a good start, get the legs going a little bit, finishing my hits,” Desnoyers said. “At the end, getting a couple shots. Nice little goal by Tyson at the end. I think I’m mostly proud of just the way I worked today.”

» READ MORE: Rookie Colin Felix hopes to carry on his late father’s legacy with the Phantoms

The Flyers rookies return to the PPL Center on Saturday for their final game against the Rangers rookies at 5:05 p.m. (NBC Sports Philadelphia+).