NHL: Philadelphia 5, Carolina 2

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Robert Esche made 40 saves Sunday led the Philadelphia Flyers to a 5-2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Alexei Zhitnik, Ryan Potulny, Kyle Calder and Mike Knuble all had goals for Philadelphia. Peter Forsberg had three assists and Todd Fedoruk had two assists for the Flyers.

Ray Whitney scored twice and Eric Belanger had two assists for the Hurricanes, who have lost two of their last three games, but have won four of their last six.

Cam Ward made just 14 saves, and had his personal five-game winning streak end.