Noah Cates leads Flyers to shootout win over Kings

Noah Cates scored and assisted as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in a shootout, and Cates has 11 points in 12 games since the Olympic break.

Noah Cates has become a key contributor for the Philadelphia Flyers, and he played a decisive part in a 4-3 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Los Angeles on Thursday. Since the Olympic break Cates has totaled 11 points in 12 games while the Flyers have gone 8-3-1. The club has navigated injuries and roster changes this season, including the loss of Tyson Foerster, the trade of Bobby Brink and an indefinite absence for captain Sean Couturier. Cates has taken on heavier minutes and more vocal presence as the team works to stay in the playoff picture. Key details: - The Flyers won 4-3 in a shootout, with Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov converting in the skills competition. - Noah Cates tied the game in the second period and helped generate the play that led to a later Flyers goal. - Goaltender Sam Ersson made 22 saves in regulation and added two stops in the shootout to earn the win. - Philadelphia has gone 4-0-1 in its past five games and 8-3-1 since the league resumed after the Olympic break. - The team was short on regular forwards for the game; defenseman Emil Andrae skated a few shifts at center. Summary: Noah Cates’ recent scoring and increased role have been a noticeable factor in the Flyers’ improved results, and the team secured an extra point with the shootout victory in Los Angeles. The Flyers are scheduled to play in San Jose on Saturday as they continue their California road trip and try to maintain momentum during the push toward the postseason.