Philly stays hot, downs Ottawa

Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds had goals and Ilya Bryzgalov stopped 33 shots to help the Philadelphia Flyers defeat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Saturday. The win gave the Flyers a .500 record for the first time this season, at 11-11-1. Philadelphia has won five of its last seven games. Marc Methot scored for the Senators, who lost in regulation for the first time since Feb. 16. Goalie Ben Bishop had won his last four starts for Ottawa (12-7-3), posting 1.69 goals-against average during the stretch. But the Senators have had trouble scoring on the road and struggled to get quality chances against the Flyers. The Flyers started slowly, trapped in their own zone but the Senators were unable to take advantage. A hard hit on Senators defenseman Mike Lundin by winger Harry Zolnierczyk midway through the first period resulted in a five-minute major and game misconduct. Zolnierczyk appeared to leave his feet for the hit, which will automatically be reviewed by the league. Lundin did not return to the game. After a scoreless first period, the Flyers made it 1-0 at 7:24 on Voracek's team-leading ninth goal. He powered past the Senators defense to cut toward the net and beat Bishop. Simmonds added his goal 4 minutes later, taking a pass from Brayden Schenn to beat Bishop and give the Flyers a 2-0 lead. Bishop stopped 39 of 41 shots. Methot scored at 14:11. Ottawa was careless in the third period, taking several penalties. Daniel Alfredsson received a five-minute major and game misconduct for crosschecking Rinaldo at 12:29 of the third period. A later penalty resulted in a 2-minute Flyers 5 on 3, but the Senators were able to keep it a one-goal game. The Flyers then killed off a late 6-on-4 power play for the Senators after they pulled Bishop to hold on for the win.