Atkinson’s 2 goals key win over Boston

PHILADELPHIA» Cam Atkinson scored two goals, including the go-ahead score that sent him tumbling into the boards, in the Philadelphia Flyers’ 6-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night.

The Flyers have won two straight since dropping the season opener and a revamped roster has paid early dividends. Atkinson, acquired in a deal with Columbus, had the crowd going wild on his hustle-and-tumble goal only 58 seconds into the third for a 4-3 lead. Joel Farabee picked off a pass from Mike Reilly and fed to his right to a streaking Atkinson. Atkinson got tripped up and slid back first into the boards.

Travis Konecny beat Jeremy Swayman from the slot that made it 5-3 and had the crowd chanting “Let’s Go Flyers!” Sean Couturier knocked in an emptynetter, making it the second straight game the Flyers scored six goals.

No matter the outcome, each team was a distant second for overall interest in their respective city for the night. In Boston, the Red Sox lost to Houston in Game 5 of the ALCS. The 76ers opened in New Orleans but were on the minds of Flyers’ fans when a rousing ”(Expletive) Ben Simmons!” started and reached a crescendo right as Karson Kuhlman scored in the first period.

Atkinson earlier snagged the puck at center ice and beat Swayman on a breakaway for a 1-0 lead.

“I wanted to pass but obviously I decided to shoot and good things happen when I shoot,” Atkinson said.

Farabee pounced on loose puck in the crease and knocked it off Swayman’s stick for a 2-1 lead. Farabee, who signed a $30 million, six-year contract extension in the offseason, has a goal in all three games this season.

The Flyers stretched the lead to 3-1 only 2 minutes into the third on the sweetest goal of the game. Keith Yandle banged a long outlet pass off the boards, James van Riemsdyk hustled down for the rebound and his shot knocked off Swayman. Scott Laughton banged in the easy rebound.