Hurricanes winger Jeff Skinner earns second hat trick in three games
Goaltenders beware: Carolina Hurricanes’ winger Jeff Skinner is officially scorching hot.
The speedy forward buried three goals on Flyers’ netminder Michal Neuvirth Tuesday night in Philadelphia, capping off his second hat trick in three games.
Skinner broke a scoreless tie early in the opening frame, beating Neuvirth through the legs with a quick wrist shot.
With the game tied 1–1 about four minutes into the second period, the 23-year-old went to the blue paint and knocked in an ugly goal on a power play.
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After allowing two straight goals, Carolina trailed 3–2 midway through the third period. Skinner carried the puck into traffic and flung a shot on net to avoid getting hit, and the puck found its way over Neuvirth’s shoulder to knot the game up.
An overtime goal by Flyers’ defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere spoiled Skinner’s feat, but the Hurricanes have to be pleased with their former No. 7 pick’s play as of late.
After scoring just five goals in his first 25 games, Skinner has racked up nine goals in his last six games. He leads the Hurricanes in goals and has tacked on three assists for 17 points on the season.
- Mark Garbino