Couturier, Cates' three-point efforts lead Flyers in 7-1 thumping of Jets

Philadelphia Flyers' Sean Couturier (14) scores on Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during first period NHL action in Winnipeg, Saturday, April 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG — Sean Couturier had two goals and an assist and Noah Cates added a short-handed goal and two helpers to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 7-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets in front of a sold-out crowd at Canada Life Centre on Saturday.

Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov, Travis Sanheim and Nick Seeler also scored for the Flyers (40-27-12), who have now won four of their last five games. Michkov added an assist for a multi-point night, while Rasmus Ristolainen finished with two assists.

Dan Vladar had 27 saves in the win.

Hadyn Fleury replied for the Jets (35-31-12), who had entered the game winning three straight and five of their last six to keep their playoff hopes alive. Jonathan Toews extended his point streak to three games with a secondary assist, giving him four points over that stretch.

Connor Hellebuyck, who made his 20th start in the last 22 games, allowed five goals on 20 shots before being pulled for the third period. Eric Comrie allowed goals on each of his first two shots against, finishing with one save in relief.

With the victory, the Flyers complete a two-game series sweep of the Jets. Philadelphia earned a 5-2 win on home ice back in October.

Takeaways

Jets: Winnipeg was unable to secure a valuable two points in their pursuit of the final wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference. With just three games remaining, its hopes for post-season hockey remain slim.

Flyers: Philadelphia earned a valuable two points to maintain its grip on third place in the tightly contested Metropolitan Division, keeping them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Key Moment

After the Jets tied the game in the opening frame, the Flyers quickly regained momentum, with Michkov and Couturier scoring 25 seconds apart to take a 3-1 lead after 20 minutes.

Key Stat

Martone continued his red-hot start to his professional career with a first-period goal. The 2025 sixth-overall pick now has three goals and four assists for seven points in seven NHL games.

Up Next

Flyers: Host Carolina Hurricanes on Monday

Jets: Visit Vegas Golden Knights on Monday.

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press