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Flyers crush Sens, snap long drought in Ottawa

Oct 19, 2011 - 4:50 AM Ottawa, ON (Sports Network) - Rookie forward Matt Read posted a career-best four points on a goal and three assists, as the Philadelphia Flyers snapped a seven-game losing streak in Ottawa stretching over nearly four years with a 7-2 decision over the Senators at Scotiabank Place.

Claude Giroux and Max Talbot added a goal and helper each for the Flyers, who earned their first win in Canada's capital since November 24, 2007.

Sean Couturier and Harry Zolniercyk registered their first NHL goals as Philadelphia opened up a season without a regulation loss in its first five games since going 3-0-2 in October of 2002.

Sergei Bobrovsky's first start of the year was a solid one, as the Russian halted 21-of-23 shots.

"It's been good. Everybody's pushing in the right direction, despite the new faces," said Talbot, who was signed away from rival Pittsburgh in the offseason. "There's a good mix of older guys and younger guys on this team and I guess the chemistry's been good. It's a long season and things can get better but it's a good start."

Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson scored for the Senators, who stumbled to their fifth loss in six contests.

Alex Auld was pulled after one period, giving up four goals on 10 shots to take the loss. Craig Anderson finished by allowing three scores on 20 shots.

Read put the Flyers on the board at the 6:20 mark of the opening period, when his sharp-angle chance from along the goal line on the right wing beat Auld under the crossbar.

Wayne Simmonds doubled the advantage on a power play at eight minutes even, lifting a loose puck over a goalmouth scramble from between the circles.

It was 3-0 for Philly at 16:17 on the front end of a four-minute advantage as Giroux ripped a shot from the right wing over Auld's opposite shoulder, and Talbot provided a four-goal margin with one minute left.

"We fell behind again in the first period and I think we need to find a way to make better starts," said Ottawa forward Chris Neil. "Doing this every game is going to make it tough."

The visitors survived four Ottawa power plays, including a brief two-man edge, but couldn't finish the second period by maintaining a 4-0 lead.

Daniel Alfredsson -- the calm veteran captain in his 16th season -- fed Spezza for a tap-in at the right side of the crease with 61 seconds remaining.

James van Riemsdyk tipped in a point blast on a power play with 4:35 left in the contest, and Couturier deposited his initial score 36 seconds later for a 6-1 game.

Zolniercyk capped the Flyers scoring inside the final minute with a nifty deke of Anderson before chipping the disc up high on the backhand.

Karlsson blew a shot home with 20 ticks left to end another disappointing tilt for the Sens.

Game Notes

This was the most decisive win for the Flyers in Ottawa since a 7-2 final on January 3, 1998...The Senators have given up a league-worst 30 scores in six games...Philadelphia last tallied at least seven times on the road in a 7-4 victory at Los Angeles last December 30...Ottawa also gave up seven at home on October 13 in a 7-1 loss to Colorado...Prior to the contest, the Flyers recalled Zolniercyk from Adirondack of the AHL...Tuesday's win marked the first time since October 5, 2000 (6-3 win over Vancouver) that two Flyers rookies -- Justin Williams and Petr Hubacek -- notched their first NHL goals in the same game...Philly's power play clicked at a 3-for-6 rate on Tuesday, giving them seven scores in 18 opportunities in its last three games...On this date in 1984, Philadelphia tied a still-standing franchise record for goals in one game in a 13-2 demolition of Vancouver at the Spectrum.