On this day in history: Philadelphia Flyers ‘The Shift'

A significant event involving Mike Richards occurred for the Philadelphia Flyers organization on May 24, 2010. The team had worked hard to reach the post-season, and this particular shift sealed their season.

Like any NHL team, the Flyers were determined to push through and succeed. With 15:59 remaining in the 1st period, Mike Richards laid a check on Marc-Andre Bergeron, which ultimately changed the game.


Brayden Coburn and Richards attempted to score a goal, but Jaroslav Halak denied them. This led to a Montreal Canadiens odd-man rush, which Coburn stopped with a check on Bergeron, allowing him to enter the offensive zone.


Despite being tied up in the corner, Matt Carle and Glenn Metropolit enabled Claude Giroux to clear the zone, which seemed unlikely.

However, Richards beat defenseman Roman Hamrlik to the loose puck, shot it, and Halak cleared it. Unfortunately, he was then run into by his defenseman, which led to Richards tying the game.

Later, Aaron Asham and Jeff Carter scored two goals in a little over a minute in the 2nd period, giving the Flyers the lead.

Although Scott Gomez attempted to even the game, Jeff Carter sealed the fate of the Canadiens with a second empty-net goal, sending the team to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Richard's goal, his 6th of the 2010 playoffs, was a game-changer as it allowed the team to turn the tide on the Canadiens and reach their first Stanley Cup Finals since 1975.