(Columbus) Joel Farabee and Travis Konecny scored in the first period, Carter Hart stopped 31 shots and the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-2 Thursday in an opening game for two teams trying to bounce back after disappointing seasons.
The Flyers thus spoiled the debut of Quebec head coach Pascal Vincent at the helm of the Jackets.
Adam Fantilli, the third pick in the last draft, began his professional career in the third trio of local favorites. On his 19th birthday, he earned his first NHL point with an assist on Jake Bean’s first-period goal.
Patrik Laine also scored for the Jackets.
The Ohio club could have lost more than just a game in front of its fans since its best defender, Zach Werenski, left the game in the second period due to a leg injury. The team said he had a “thigh contusion” without providing details on the severity of the injury.
Elvis Merzlikins made 32 saves in the loss. The Flyers added two empty-net goals, courtesy of Cam Atkinson and Konecny, with his second of the game.
The Flyers will face the Senators on Saturday in Ottawa. The same day, the New York Rangers will visit Columbus.
