Neuvirth becomes 1st goalie ever to enter game during shootout and win
It probably wasn't how the Philadelphia Flyers drew it up, but despite a goalie change midway through Saturday's shootout against the Arizona Coyotes, they still came away with the win, making some history in the process.
No. 1 goalie Brian Elliott took a stick to the face during Coyotes forward Clayton Keller's shootout attempt and was subsequently taken off the ice as a precaution. Backup netminder Michal Neuvirth was thrust into action in the third round of the shootout and proceeded to lift the Flyers to victory, not allowing a single goal on four attempts.
With the victory, Neuvirth became the first goalie in NHL history to enter during a shootout and win.
Good note from @BSmithFlyers: Tonight, Neuvirth (PHI) became first goalie ever to enter a game during a shootout and win. Previous 5 to try it all lost
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 11, 2018
Despite taking a stick to his face, Elliott's injury was called a lower-body ailment by the Flyers, who added that he'll be re-evaluated once the team returns to Philadelphia.
With the victory, the Flyers find themselves in third and holding the final playoff spot in the tightening Metropolitan Division with 63 points - only six back of the division-leading Washington Capitals.