Carter Hart put on a dazzling display in goal, making 25 saves to earn his first career shutout and lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.
At just 21 years and 57 days old, Hart became the youngest goaltender in Flyers history to record a shutout, surpassing the previous record set by Dominic Roussel in 1992. Hart’s standout performance included a crucial glove save on a Taylor Hall shot during a Devils’ 5-on-3 power play, preserving the Flyers’ lead.
“Anytime you achieve a milestone, it’s definitely pretty cool,” Hart said.
Ivan Provorov, Kevin Hayes, Sean Couturier, and Travis Konecny all scored for Philadelphia, with the latter three contributing to a three-goal surge in the third period during the Flyers’ home opener.
The Flyers returned to action after a season-opening win against the Chicago Blackhawks in Prague as part of the NHL’s Global Series. Hart had 28 saves in that 4-3 victory and followed it up with an even better performance in front of a lively home crowd, showcasing the talent many believe he is the franchise’s future.
On his first NHL opening night, Hart helped make a strong impression on new head coach Alain Vigneault, who is known for quickly turning teams into contenders. Vigneault, who has coached 16 NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Rangers, is confident he can lead the Flyers back to playoff success.
“Everybody could sense the energy in this building from start to finish,” Vigneault said. “It was a great atmosphere, and it’s something the players and I want to be a part of. It’s uplifting and a lot of fun.”
Hayes and Couturier extended the Flyers’ lead with goals just 24 seconds apart early in the third period, giving Hart a comfortable cushion. Hayes, who signed a seven-year, $50 million contract in the offseason, is expected to play a key role in the Flyers’ quest for a playoff spot.
The Flyers also paid tribute to former star Wayne Simmonds, who now plays for the Devils. Simmonds, a fan favorite and beloved figure in the locker room, received a warm welcome and a standing ovation when a video tribute played, highlighting his impact during his time in Philadelphia.
“I was just 22 when I got traded here, trying to prove myself as a good hockey player,” Simmonds said. “I could never have imagined the connection I would have with the fans. It’s an honor to have played here.”
The Flyers kept the Devils off the scoreboard, with Hart making several key saves, including a highlight-reel stop on Hall. The Devils, who fell to 0-2-1 on the season, struggled to generate offense despite having multiple power-play opportunities.
Game Notes
The Flyers’ Ivan Provorov recorded his 100th career point with an assist on Couturier’s goal. … The Devils’ rough start to the season continued with another loss. … Flyers mascot Gritty held a sign behind Devils defenseman P.K. Subban that read, “Lindsey Could do Better,” referencing Subban’s relationship with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.
UP NEXT
- Devils: Host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
- Flyers: Begin a five-game road trip Saturday in Vancouver.
