The Carolina Hurricanes dominated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 in Saturday’s Eastern Conference semifinal opener at Raleigh, N.C., powered by Logan Stankoven’s two-goal performance and Frederik Andersen’s stellar goaltending.
Stankoven found the back of the net twice while Jackson Blake contributed one goal and one assist for Carolina, who swept Ottawa in the first round before delivering this commanding playoff victory in the best-of-seven series opener.
Between the pipes, Andersen turned away 19 shots to record his seventh career postseason shutout and second of these playoffs. Mike Reilly contributed two assists to the winning effort.
Philadelphia’s Dan Vladar made 20 saves in the losing effort. The Flyers will look to bounce back when Game 2 takes place Monday in Raleigh.
Carolina, who topped the Eastern Conference during regular season play, has yet to fall behind at any point during this Stanley Cup playoff run, maintaining that streak behind their most productive scorer.
The 23-year-old Stankoven extended his goal-scoring streak to five straight games when he opened the scoring just 91 seconds after puck drop. Reilly launched a shot from the point that Stankoven redirected past Vladar. The young forward has made history as the youngest player ever to find the net in five consecutive games to begin the playoffs.
In four of Carolina’s five postseason contests, Stankoven has provided the opening goal.
“I felt since the Olympic break, things were starting to turn and pucks started going in the net,” Stankoven said postgame.
Blake extended Carolina’s advantage to 2-0 six minutes later with a spectacular individual effort. The forward maneuvered past multiple defenders before sliding the puck home for his second goal of this postseason.
“We had a good start. That’s what won the game,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “There wasn’t much happening (after) but the first period was good.”
At that juncture, Philadelphia had managed just one shot attempt on Andersen.
“I don’t know if we were mentally prepared to play tonight. Winning our playoff series, (almost) not making the playoffs,” Flyers coach Rick Tocchet said. ” … There was a lot of excitement. I don’t think we got down to earth quick enough for this game.”
Stankoven completed his two-goal night during the second period’s closing minutes. Following a Philadelphia turnover, Seth Jarvis delivered a pass to Stankoven in the scoring area, and he immediately converted the opportunity with 3:44 left in the middle period.
Carolina controlled the remainder of the contest despite a series of aggressive penalties by Philadelphia and responding actions from the Hurricanes’ players.
Following multiple players receiving game misconduct penalties midway through the third period, the intensity subsided and Carolina secured the victory.
