The Flyers fell 3-2 to the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes in overtime Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, dropping Philly to 0-1-2 on the early season.
Despite the loss, the Flyers showed significant improvement from their first two games. After being shut out 7-0 by the Pittsburgh Penguins and falling 3-2 in overtime to the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia pushed back against Carolina and held a lead heading into the third period.
The Hurricanes scored just 10 seconds into the game when Sebastian Aho beat Joseph Woll to give Carolina an early 1-0 advantage. Philadelphia answered midway through the opening period as Trevor Zegras created the opportunity before finding Owen Tippett in the slot, and Tippett buried his first goal of the season to tie the game at one. (The goal horn song is the same as last seasons.)
Just over seven minutes into the second period, Matvei Michkov gave Philadelphia its first lead of the night. Michkov finished off a play from Travis Konecny and Christian Dvorak, putting the Flyers ahead 2-1.
That advantage held into the third period, but Carolina eventually found the equalizer. Aho scored his second of the night on the power play, tying the game at two with just under 15 minutes remaining.
Philadelphia had opportunities throughout the night but could not capitalize, extending its power-play drought through the first three games. The Flyers entered Saturday having already struggled to generate consistent offense and puck possession, making the special-teams battle even more important.
Neither team could break the tie in regulation, sending the Flyers to overtime for the second consecutive game. Carolina ended it 2:51 into the extra period when former Flyer Shayne Gostisbehere scored on the power play to give the Hurricanes the 3-2 victory.
Woll once again gave Philadelphia a chance to win. After making 41 saves in Thursday's overtime loss to New Jersey, he turned in another strong performance Saturday as Carolina finished with a 40-18 advantage in shots.
The Flyers also showed more fight than they did in the opening two games. They responded after falling behind early, took control for stretches and entered the third period with a lead against the defending champions.
Philadelphia now has two points through three games, but is still waiting for its first victory. The Flyers will have to find a way to turn these improved performances into wins, particularly as the schedule gets tougher.
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