The Hurricanes vs Flyers game on Saturday brings together two winless Metropolitan Division teams, each at 0-1-1, when Carolina visits Philadelphia at 7 p.m. EDT at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The game will stream on ESPN+.
Carolina lost 1-0 in overtime to Florida on Sept. 29, then fell 5-2 at Washington on Friday. The Flyers opened with a 7-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Sept. 30 and followed it with a 3-2 overtime defeat at New Jersey. The Hurricanes dropped their second game after giving up three first-period goals.
Hurricanes vs Flyers game information
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
- Time: 7 p.m. EDT
- Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
- Streaming: ESPN+
By the numbers
- Goals against average: Carolina 3.00, Philadelphia 5.00
- Goals scored: Carolina 2, Philadelphia 2
- Save percentage: Carolina .872, Philadelphia .878
- Shooting percentage: Carolina 4.2%, Philadelphia 4.5%
- Standings points: Carolina 1, Philadelphia 1
Carolina Hurricanes outlook
The Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup last spring after a 16-3 playoff run, and they swept the Flyers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This start has been far less smooth. Coach Rod Brind’Amour said the first period at Washington was “not good,” and captain Jordan Staal said the team was outplayed and was not playing its style.
Brandon Bussi started both games in net, and Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to start Saturday, according to NHL.com. Forward Seth Jarvis remains out as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.
Philadelphia Flyers outlook
The Flyers have allowed 10 goals in two games, and the 7-0 loss to Pittsburgh was the worst opening-game defeat in franchise history. Read our recap of the Penguins’ 7-0 win for more on that game.
Joseph Woll is now projected to start for Philadelphia in place of Dan Vladar. Woll made 41 saves in the overtime loss at New Jersey, and our recap of that game has the details. Rasmus Ristolainen and Travis Sanheim scored in that game, while no Flyers forward has found the net yet. Wing Nikita Grebenkin and center Denver Barkey are listed with injuries.
What to watch
NHL.com said Philadelphia was badly out-possessed in both openers and needs to improve its puck possession and pace. Carolina, meanwhile, is playing the second game of a back-to-back, which could give the Flyers an opening.
A third straight loss would equal the number of defeats the Hurricanes took during their entire Cup run.
