Kelly scores late goal, Bruins edge Flyers in opener

For most of the night, Steve Mason was the Flyers best player on the ice. But a bounce for the Bruins went against Mason late and that provided the difference in the season opener.

The Flyers scored early in the third period to even the score. But as the momentum shifted the Bruins way, Chris Kelly scored with under two minutes to play on a rebound to give the Bruins a 2-1 win over the Flyers on Wednesday night at TD Garden.

The Bruins opened the scoring on the power play in the first. At 10:39, Reilly Smith was alone in the slot and took a pass from Carl Soderberg, giving the Bruins the lead.

Mason stopped 19 shots in the first two periods and the Flyers struggled to get offensive pressure going. 

But at 4:19 of the third, Jake Voracek threw a shot on goal that deflected in off Sean Couturier, tying the score at one.

The Flyers gained momentum following the goal, getting a power play midway through the period. But the Flyers were 0-for-3 on the power play on Wednesday, failing to take advantage of the opportunities.

With under two minutes to play, the Bruins would take the lead as a shot by Adam McQuaid hit off of Mason's glove and bounced right to the tape of Kelly who had a wide open net. The goal at 18:09 was the game-winner.

Tuukka Rask stopped 19 of 20 shots in the game. Mason finished with 31 saves in the loss.

The Flyers return to the ice on Thursday night for the home opener against the Devils. The opening face-off is set for 7 p.m.

Kevin Durso is the lead beat writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.