Sometimes, when things aren’t going your way, you have to mix it up a bit.
That’s exactly what the Edmonton Oilers did Tuesday night, helping spark a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers. And for the Oilers, it came from an unlikely source.
With the Oilers down 3-2 in the third period, Flyers captain Sean Couturier circled behind Stuart Skinner’s net, catching him with a body check that sent the netminder to the ice. This, mind you, two days after Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund slashed the back of the goaltender’s leg while he was playing a puck.
Thanks to high tensions in Rogers Place Tuesday, coupled with the previous liberty taken, an unsuspecting Oiler charged at Couturier, ready to drop the gloves: Troy Stecher.
Despite the defenceman, listed at 5’10”, 184 lbs, being much smaller than the hulking 6’4″, 219 lb. Flyer, there was no hesitation. Stecher got a few quick jabs in as the pair jostled before Couturier would land one or two back. It wasn’t a long fight by any means, but it was a more-than-spirited one that sparked more fisticuffs.
“Stech standing up for a goalie getting run over, or body checked behind the net, it was awesome to see,” said Oilers forward Adam Henrique after the game. “You always love that and those guys coming into the lineup the last few games playing great, and he wears his heart on his sleeve, so it was great to see.”
WATCH via HockeyFights: Troy Stecher vs. Sean Couturier
Off the ensuing faceoff, Oilers veteran Corey Perry wanted to keep the party going, as Flyers winger Joel Farabee was more than willing to go. The pair dropped the gloves off the next draw, and Perry landed the first punch, as Farabee got one back. As they continued to try and free their hands, Perry unleashed a vicious uppercut that had just missed the Flyer before he took his opponent to the ice.
The bouts brought more life to Rogers Place, and a little over six minutes later, Evan Bouchard would tie the game up, before Leon Draisatil would win it in overtime.
WATCH via HockeyFights: Corey Perry vs. Joel Farabee
The Oilers and Flyers will play once again this season, on February 22nd, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
