NHL: Philadelphia 3, Columbus 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Robert Esche returned from a groin injury to stop 23 of the 24 shots he faced Tuesday as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated Columbus, 3-1.

Esche, who had not seen action since late November, gave up just one goal despite facing eight power plays and two 5-on-3's.

Peter Forsberg, Jeff Carter and Sami Kapanen all scored for Philadelphia, which has won three of its last four games. Ben Eager and the newly-acquired Matt Ellison added assists.

Jan Hrdina scored the lone goal for the Blue Jackets, who have lost two out of three. Goaltender Marc Denis made 28 saves in defeat.