RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Defenseman Derian Hatcher celebrated his return from a knee injury by scoring a rare goal Wednesday as Philadelphia downed Carolina 3-1.
Hatcher played in the first nine games of the season, but suffered the injury Oct. 27 and had cartilage removed five days later.
The veteran defenseman is known more from his rugged play in front of his own net, but he scored the game's first goal at 5:49 of the second period. It was his first of the season.
Mike Knuble had a goal and two assists for the Flyers, who defeated the Hurricanes for the second time in a week.
Martin Biron, who made 42 saves against Carolina Oct. 20, made 40 more Wednesday.
Carolina's goal came from Cory Stillmans, who made it a 3-1 game midway through the third. The Hurricanes have lost five out of seven.
