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Yakemchuk’s late power-play goal lifts Senators past winless Flyers, 2-1
Carter Yakemchuk’s power-play strike with 6:59 remaining provided the decisive goal as Ottawa held off Philadelphia at the Canadian Tire Centre.
OTTAWA, Ontario — Carter Yakemchuk ended a tense matchup with a timely power-play goal 6:59 from time, and the Ottawa Senators hung on for a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. The win moved Ottawa to 3-1-0, while the Flyers remain without a victory at 0-3-2.
Nick Cousins gave the Senators an early edge when he opened the scoring midway through the first period, but Matvei Michkov answered on Philadelphia’s end by tying the game on a power play at 7:46 of the second. From there the contest settled into a defensive, goaltending duel that set the stage for Yakemchuk’s late game-winner.
Ottawa netminder Linus Ullmark was steady between the pipes, stopping 29 shots to preserve the lead, while Joseph Woll made 24 saves for the Flyers in a losing effort. The game also featured two notable debuts: Michael Bunting skated in his first game with Philadelphia after signing with the team Tuesday, and Ottawa defenseman Hoyt Stanley made his NHL debut.
Both clubs turn around quickly — the Flyers travel to Boston on Saturday, and the Senators return home to host Nashville that same night. Ottawa’s late power-play execution proved the difference, leaving Philadelphia still searching for its first win.