Recap: Special Teams Propels Canes To Game 3 Victory

PHILADELPHIA - Two power play goals and a shorthanded marker paved the way to a 4-1 Carolina Hurricanes win on Thursday, as they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 3 of their second-round series at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

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Although Philadelphia began the evening with the better of the scoring opportunities, a pair of posts and timely stops from Frederik Andersen allowed the Canes to take the first lead for the sixth time in seven playoff games. On a man advantage inside the final two minutes of the opening stanza, Jordan Staal put away the rebound of an Andrei Svechnikov shot to open the scoring.

And while the first of the trio of special teams strikes allowed Carolina to take momentum back to their locker room, the high would last for just 2:31 of the middle frame. With a delayed penalty coming, a Philadelphia shot ricocheted to a waiting Trevor Zegras to put home at the side of the net.

But before the middle stanza came to a close, another Staal-contributed special teams tally put Carolina back in front. As his captain pried away possession following a defensive zone draw, Jalen Chatfield jumped into the rush to create a two-on-one, where the mobile defenseman rifled home a feed with no hesitation.

Taking their 2-1 advantage to the final frame, the Canes pulled away from there. A Svechnikov power-play goal offered some insurance, and a Nikolaj Ehlers breakaway conversion sent the fans toward the exits.

Backstopping his seventh straight win between the pipes, Andersen made 18 saves on 19 shots to foil the Flyers' attackers.

Stats & Standouts

• Jordan Staal's game-opening goal was his 40th career playoff point with the Hurricanes, surpassing Teuvo Teravainen (39) to move into a tie with Jaccob Slavin for the fifth-most in franchise history.
• Staal also joined his brother, Eric, in the top five for all-time playoff points with the Hurricanes/ Whalers after previously joining the top five in regular-season points in 2025-26. The only other set of brothers to do this with a single franchise are Henrik and Daniel Sedin with the Canucks.
• Frederik Andersen became the 12th goaltender in NHL history and third in the last 30 years to begin a postseason on a seven-game winning streak, joining Igor Shesterkin (7 GP in 2024) and Marc-Andre Fleury (7 GP in 2008). He also joined Shesterkin as the second goaltender born outside North America to achieve the feat.
• With an assist on Staal's first goal of the game, Andrei Svechnikov became the second player in Hurricanes/Whalers history with 50 career playoff points, joining Sebastian Aho (88).
• Svechnikov's fifth career playoff power-play goal tied Ray Whitney for the sixth-most in franchise history.
• Sebastian Aho assisted on Andrei Svechnikov’s goal for his 89th career playoff point, surpassing Teemu Selanne for sole possession of the fourth-most playoff points by a Finnish player. The only players with more are Jari Kurri (106-127—233), Esa Tikkanen (72-60—132) and Mikko Rantanen (44-86—130).
• Jalen Chatfield became the third defenseman in Hurricanes/Whalers history to score a shorthanded playoff goal, following Brendan Smith (Game 2 of 2022 R2) and Mike Commodore (Game 1 of 2006 CF).
• Carolina won its seventh straight game, matching the longest playoff winning streak in franchise history.
• No team has opened the scoring more than the Hurricanes in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs (six times).

They Said It...

Jordan Staal after scoring first, again...

"It took a little life out of the building, which is always nice. Our start was good. We probably had a few too many turnovers and Freddie bailed us out, but then we kind of built a game from there."

Jordan Martinook elaborating on a big night for Jordan Staal...

"It's just a pleasure to watch him. Obviously, I've been riding shotgun for a few years now and to see the impact he can have on games, it's pretty special. I feel like he's just getting better the older he gets, which is fun to see. He prepares better than anybody. He wants it more than anyone. Obviously, a huge game tonight by them. He sets the one for our team and he did that tonight, for sure."

Andrei Svechnikov discussing his first goal of the postseason...

"Obviously it gives you a little bit of confidence. You feel a little lighter on the ice and all that. Especially scoring on the power play, we got two goals today, and that's big for our unit. We've just got to continue working, watching video and hopefully we're going to (score twice again) next game.

Shayne Gostisbehere on his power-play unit breaking through…

“(The Flyers) play a specific system, (so) it’s making them skate a little more, a little more tired. I think for us, just sticking with it and taking what they give us, not forcing anything. We know when seams are going to be available; we don’t have to fit it through or anything. Just (get) back to basics when you’re struggling a little bit, put pucks to the net and get some good bounces.”

Jalen Chatfield on tonight's special teams performance...

“Huge. We know this time of year, especially, that can win games. That can be the difference. Every time the power play gets out there, they’re looking to score. The PK, non-negotiable, whether it’s a bad penalty or not, we’re looking to kill it and do it the right way.”

Rod Brind'Amour about how his team stays focused up 3-0 going into Game 4...

"It starts in the room with your leadership. We're all going to say the right things as coaches and try to get them prepared, but they've got to come ready to go. We've been able to do that all year. I would anticipate we're going to give it our best, because we're going to need that. That's the thing. The guys understand, we're not going to win if we don't put our best foot forward."

What's Next?

The Canes are scheduled to practice on Friday before the puck drops for Game 4 on Saturday.

Next Game: Saturday, May 9 | Round 2, Game 4 at Philadelphia | 6:00 p.m. ET | How To Watch

Next Home Game (if necessary): Monday, May 11 | Round 2, Game 5 vs. Philadelphia | Time TBD | How To Watch | Tickets | Parking