NHL: Philadelphia 5, Tampa Bay 2

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Blair Betts had the first two-goal game of his eight-year career Wednesday and Mike Richards also scored twice in boosting Philadelphia past Tampa Bay 5-2.

Betts returned last week after missing almost a month with a shoulder injury. His goals Wednesday were his second and third of the season and ran his career total to 30 in 356 games.

After Betts and Richards scored in the first period for a 2-0 lead, Tampa Bay came back to tie it through two frames.

Betts then put the Flyers back in front midway through the third by tipping in a shot from Oskars Bartulis.

Philadelphia opened a six-game road trip with its third win in 14 contests. Michael Leighton, who was claimed off waivers from Carolina last week, earned the win by making 31 saves.

Mike Smith gave up four goals on 35 shots.