Simmonds to the rescue as Flyers break shootout jinx

Philadelphia, PA -- Wayne Simmonds netted the tying goal in the third period before adding the shootout winner, as Philadelphia snapped a five-game skid with a narrow 2-1 decision over Ottawa on Tuesday.

Steve Mason came up with 41 saves and halted four of the Sens' five breakaway chances for the Flyers, who dropped the final batch of games on their season- long eight-game road trip.

"Feels good. It's been a while since we had this feeling after a game," said Mason. "Nice to come home, feel refreshed and get this big win at home."

Mike Hoffman tallied and Craig Anderson made 33 saves in defeat for the Senators, who have dropped five of their last seven.

"All I can do is give our team a chance to win at the end of the night," said Anderson. "You know you roll the dice in the shootout. That's kind of how the way things go."

Mika Zibanejad opened the game's final segment with a successful try, then Jakub Voracek countered for the hosts. Sean Couturier could have won it for Philly to end the third round but hit the left post, instead.

Finally, after Erik Karlsson was turned away by Mason, Simmonds pulled Anderson out of position enough to slip the puck inside the right post to end the contest.

Hoffman produced the game's first goal with 6:36 gone in the third period, when he crossed from the right wing into the slot. moved past Philly defenseman Mark Streit and beat Mason between the pads.

Given the resulting power play, their final of four opportunities, Simmonds evened the score at 8:59 by slipping a shot through Anderson from the left side.

Anderson was quick with the glove to deny a Claude Giroux blast from the left circle as the clock ticked below 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

Mason denied Kyle Turris from virtually the same location with 35.5 seconds to play in overtime.

Notes: Philadelphia had been 0-5 in shootouts this season and hadn't won a breakaway competition since taking a 4-3 victory in Vancouver on Dec. 30, 2013 ... Mason earned his first win since Dec. 13 against Carolina ... The Orange and Black improved to 6-7-7 this season in one-goal contests ... Prior to Tuesday, the Senators had won all four of their shootout-decided games against the Flyers ... Philly forward Brayden Schenn missed most of the last six minutes of the second period and part of the opening minute of the third after taking multiple stitches to close a facial wound resulting from a skate cut from Simmonds.