Simon Gagne picked up three points on two goals and an assist to lead Philadelphia over Carolina, 3-1, in the front end of a home-and-home series at RBC Center.
Matt Carle scored the other goal for the Flyers, who upped their season-best win streak to six games. Antero Niittymaki stopped 27 shots for his third win of the season and second in as many starts.
Chad LaRose provided the lone tally for the Hurricanes, who have dropped three in a row. Cam Ward took the loss despite allowing just two goals on 26 shots.
In a 4-on-4 situation early in the third period, Philly took a 2-1 lead 2:05 in, as rookie defenseman Luca Sbisa fed Carle for a wrister from the right wing to cap a 3-on-1 break.
The Hurricanes flew at Niittymaki consistently from there, unloading 11 shots and just missing several more good chances, but the Finnish netminder stood strong in net.
Ward went to the bench for an extra attacker with 1:40 remaining, and after several Carolina rushes were foiled, Gagne hit the empty net with less than a second left to clinch it.
The Flyers took a 1-0 lead 5:52 into the contest. Jeff Carter's shot from 15 feet was blocked by bodies in front. From the left side, Scott Hartnell managed to poke the puck loose for a waiting Gagne, who tapped it home from the right side.
LaRose evened the score 1:52 into the second, shoveling home his own rebound from the low slot.
Game Notes
Gagne extended his point streak to nine games...Carle's tally was his first with the club and second of the year...The Flyers have won five of the last six meetings over the Hurricanes and three straight in Raleigh...Prior to the game, Carolina activated defenseman Frantisek Kaberle from injured reserve...Hurricanes forward Scott Walker left the game midway through the second period and did not return due to a lower-body injury...LaRose has scored in three straight games...Both clubs meet in Philadelphia on Friday.
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