PHILADELPHIA — For the second time in a five-day span, the Flyers fell to the Carolina Hurricanes, losing 3-1 on Thursday.
With the loss, the Flyers (33-30-18) fall to 1-3-1 against the Hurricanes this season, and 1-5-3 since the Metropolitan Division was formed last season. The Orange and Black haven't won multiple games against Carolina since the 2012-13 campaign, when they swept the three-game season series.
Jordan Staal recorded a two-point game, as he scored on an empty net and added an assist. Brett Bellemore opened the scoring with his second of the season on a tip-in at 12:48 of the first period, while Ryan Murphy recorded the eventual game-winner on a power play at 12:51 of the third period.
Sean Couturier scored the lone Flyers goal at 16:19 of the third period, tipping in a Mark Streit shot from the blue line to cut the Hurricanes' lead in half. Claude Giroux nearly tied the game moments later with the Flyers' net empty, but a big Cam Ward save allowed the 'Canes to take the puck the other way and set up Staal's empty-net tally.
In what may perhaps be his final game in a Flyers uniform, Ray Emery turned away 24 of 26 shots. Ward finished with 27 saves on 28 shots.
Vinny Lecavalier also dropped the gloves twice, taking on rookie Keegan Lowe in both matches. Their second fight — at 9:22 of the second period — led to an instigator penalty for Lecavalier, as well as a 10-minute misconduct. Lecavalier wasn't the only Flyer to demonstrate pugilism, as Brandon Manning dropped the gloves against Brad Malone for the first fight of his NHL career.
The Flyers were scoreless on two power play opportunities, while the Hurricanes (30-40-11) finished 1 for 6 on the man-advantage. They narrowly out-shot the 'Canes by a 28-27 margin, while also leading in hits (35-21) and blocked shots (15-12). The 'Canes held a narrow 34-30 lead in faceoffs, while giveaways and takeaways were tied at eight and five, respectively.
Next up for the Orange and Black is the finale to their 2014-15 campaign, set for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday against Ottawa. Recipients of their annual team awards will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
Follow Rob Riches on Twitter @Riches61
