Atkinson scores twice, Flyers beat Bruins

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 hustleand-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 backfirst 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 empty-netter, 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!” chant 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 a loose puck in the crease and knocked it off Swayman’s stick for a 2-1 lead. Farabee, who signed a $30 million, 6-year contract extension in the offseason, has a goal in all three games this season.

Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images Erik Haula of the Boston Bruins controls the puck during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday in Philadelphia.