At long last, the wait is over.
It only took 17 games, but Jakub Voracek finally scored a goal in 2015-16. He picked a pretty convenient time to do so, as it helped lift the Flyers to a 3-2 comeback win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
With a combined seven shots through two periods, the Flyers looked like they were going to continue their dismal November. They took control in the third period with 12 shots, and a Wayne Simmonds deflection with 3:09 to play in regulation tied the game at 2.
Shayne Gostisbehere earned the helper on the Simmonds goal, for his first NHL point. Gostisbehere was recalled from Lehigh Valley on Saturday, and played in his first NHL game since Oct. 28, 2014.
The game then headed to 3-on-3, and Voracek wasted no time in netting his first of the season — giving the Flyers two points just 37 seconds into the final stanza. Michael Del Zotto and Claude Giroux were credited with the assists.
Elias Lindholm struck first for the Hurricanes, at 14:15 of the first period. Victor Rask gave the 'Canes a two-goal lead at 6:00 of the second, with Eric Staal earning points on both goals.
Luke Schenn chipped into the Hurricanes lead at 12:02 of the second period, scoring his second goal of the season on a sharp-angle shot on Cam Ward.
Between the pipes, Steve Mason stopped 19 of 21 Hurricanes shots, while Ward made 16 saves on 19 shots. The Orange and Black held the Hurricanes to one goal on three power-play attempts, yet were scoreless on one opportunity.
Also recalled from the Phantoms on Saturday, Taylor Leier made his NHL debut. In 7:27 of ice time, Leier took one shot, blocked one shot, had an even plus-minus rating and drew a hooking minor on Nathan Gerbe.
The Flyers next return to the ice on Tuesday, hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Prior to the game, the team will hold a ceremony honoring Simon Gagne's retirement.
Rob Riches is a contributor to Flyerdelphia and Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Riches61
