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Svechnikov and Aho Lead Hurricanes as Flyers Drop Franchise-Worst Seventh Straight
Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho each had a goal and an assist in Carolina’s 4-1 win at Xfinity Mobile Arena, as Philadelphia fell to 0-5-2 to open the season.
PHILADELPHIA — The defending-champion Carolina Hurricanes rode a balanced attack and opportunistic play to a 4-1 victory at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday night, with Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho each recording a goal and an assist. The loss extended the Flyers’ losing streak to seven games to open the season, the worst start in franchise history (0-5-2).
Rookie defenseman Oliver Bonk, making his season debut, was caught in the middle of a difficult second period and was a factor in three Carolina goals. The scoring opened at 10:16 of the second when Bonk turned the puck over at the blue line to former Flyer Sean Walker, who found Svechnikov. Svechnikov skated into the slot and snapped a wrister past goalie Joseph Woll for his fourth goal of the year.
The Hurricanes struck again when Aho threaded a pass through Bonk; Shayne Gostisbehere, another former Flyer, banged the puck home for his second goal of the season — both tallies coming against Philadelphia. Carolina made it 3-0 after Svechnikov stripped Owen Tippett in the neutral zone and sent the puck to William Carrier, who blew past Bonk and slid a feed to Aho for an open-net finish that gave Aho his sixth goal of the season.
Mark Jankowski added an insurance goal with 4:51 left in the third period, while Christian Dvorak provided Philadelphia’s lone score. The Hurricanes have now won five straight after dropping their first two games and have earned at least a point in 12 consecutive visits to Philadelphia. Carolina hosts Washington on Tuesday night; the Flyers return home to face Seattle that same night.