Logan Stankoven scored twice as the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series on Saturday night.

Hurricanes Take Early Lead

The game, played in Raleigh, N.C., saw Frederik Andersen record his second playoff shutout and the seventh of his postseason career. Jackson Blake also contributed a goal for Carolina.

Flyers Struggle After Grueling Series

Carolina, having swept the Ottawa Senators in the first round, entered the game well-rested. Philadelphia, however, had just finished a challenging six-game series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, concluding with an overtime win on Wednesday.

Stankoven Strikes Early

Stankoven opened the scoring just 1:31 into the game, redirecting a shot from the slot. Blake extended the Hurricanes’ lead to 2-0 at 7:30, skillfully maneuvering past two defenders before scoring.

Physical Game and Key Absences

The Flyers, making their first playoff appearance since 2020, struggled offensively, managing only nine shots on goal through two periods and failing to convert on four power-play opportunities. The game became increasingly physical in the final ten minutes, resulting in misconduct penalties for Trevor Zegras and Nick Seeler of the Flyers, and Jackson Blake and Shayne Gostisbehere of the Hurricanes.

Both teams were without key players. The Flyers were missing leading scorer Owen Tippett due to an undisclosed injury, while the Hurricanes were without defenseman Alexander Nikishin, who sustained a concussion in Game 4 against Ottawa.