DANBURY, Conn. — Paxton Couture scored the overtime winner as the Philadelphia Rebels defeated the Danbury Hat Tricks 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon at Danbury Ice Arena.
The victory improved Philadelphia’s record to 7-6-1-0, while Danbury fell to 4-7-1-0.
Danbury opened the scoring in the first period when Nick Petkovich found the back of the net, giving the Hat Tricks an early 1-0 lead.
Philadelphia responded when Oscar Djurberg capitalized on a 2-on-1 opportunity with Cam Wilson. Wilson sent a pass across to Djurberg, who finished the play for his third goal of the season to tie the game at one.
Just over two minutes later, Zach Greenlund gave the Rebels their first lead of the afternoon, firing a shot short-side over the shoulder of Danbury goaltender Ty Ferguson for his second goal of the season.
The Hat Tricks answered in the second period when Liam Storch scored to even the contest at two. Neither team found the back of the net in the third period, sending the game into overtime tied at two.
Just 2:19 into the extra period, Dylan Moran carried the puck down the far side before stopping sharply and finding a streaking Couture through the middle of the ice. Couture fired a shot from the slot past Ferguson to give Philadelphia the 3-2 victory.
Philadelphia outshot Danbury 36-24, including an 18-11 advantage in the opening period. Ben Varsa made 22 saves on 24 shots to earn the victory in net, improving to 3-1-1. Ferguson stopped 33 of 36 shots in the loss.
Both teams were held scoreless on the power play, with Philadelphia finishing 0-for-2 and Danbury going 0-for-1.
The Rebels return home Friday, Oct. 23, to face the Elmira Aviators at 7:30 p.m. at Hollydell Ice Arena.