Couturier leads Flyers past Panthers in Tocchet's home debut

Sean Couturier scored the go‑ahead goal with 4:10 remaining and finished with four points as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Florida Panthers 5-2 Monday night in the home opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena, giving new coach Rick Tocchet a winning start in his first home game behind the bench. Bobby Brink and Christian Dvorak added late empty-net goals to cap the scoring.

Tyson Foerster opened the scoring in the first period and Couturier added his first of the season in the second to put Philadelphia ahead 2-0. Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett rallied the two‑time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers with goals to tie the game in the third before Couturier broke the deadlock. Goaltender Dan Vladar continued strong early-season form, combining with the team defense to limit Florida and preserve the lead. Vladar has compiled a 2.02 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage through his first two appearances this season.

The victory was a notable moment for Tocchet, a former Flyers player who received loud cheers during pregame introductions as he returned as head coach. Tocchet, who has previously coached in Tampa Bay, Arizona and Vancouver, was hired in the offseason to...