Hurricanes Edge Flyers in OT, Take 2-0 Series Lead

Summary:

• Taylor Hall scores at 18:54 of overtime to give the Carolina Hurricanes a 3-2 win.
• Hurricanes erased an early 2-0 deficit, staying unbeaten in the playoffs.
• The series shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Thursday, May 7.

The Carolina Hurricanes found a way to stay perfect in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, but it took far more effort than their opening win in the series.

Taylor Hall scored late in overtime to lift his team to a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 2 on Monday night, giving them a 2-0 lead in their second-round matchup.

One Minute Left in OT

The victory goal came with just over a minute left in overtime, when Hall picked up a short pass from Sean Walker, drove in from the left side, and was knocked down near the crease.

The play looked broken for a moment, but Hall quickly got back to his feet, tracked the loose puck, and slipped it past goaltender Dan Vladar.

After the game, Taylor Hall admitted the moment was a blur.

When you score in overtime, it seems like parts of your memory kind of go. I was in another time zone there for a second

Carolina had to fight back after falling behind early. Philadelphia struck twice in the opening period, with Jamie Drysdale and Sean Couturier scoring just 39 seconds apart. It marked the Hurricanes’ first deficit of the postseason.

From there, Carolina settled in, with Nikolaj Ehlers getting them on the board in the first period, and Seth Jarvis tying the game midway through the third to force overtime.

Frederik Andersen played a key role in keeping the Hurricanes in it, finishing with 34 saves. Carolina is now 6-0 in the playoffs.

Coach Tocchet: “I’m Really Proud of These Guys”

The Flyers, meanwhile, proved to be more aggressive in Game 1, creating chances, especially in overtime, where they outshot Carolina 15-8. Still, they could not find a way past Andersen after their early surge.

“I thought the young guys competed. I’m really proud of these guys. They just made the play at the end, that’s it.

Vladar was also sharp despite the loss, making 40 saves and getting help from his defense on key sequences, including a crucial goal-line clearance in the second period.

The physical, penalty-heavy game made it hard for either team to find rhythm at even strength.

“Goaltending was not the issue tonight for any team” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said.

With the series now shifting to Philadelphia for Game 3, the Flyers will look to turn their improved effort into a result, while Carolina aims to keep its NHL postseason run on track.