Gourde’s 3-point game powers Kraken to 6-2 over Flyers

SEATTLE — SEATTLE (AP) — Yanni Gourde had two goals and one assist and the Seattle Kraken defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-2 Thursday night.

Five Seattle players scored for the Kraken, who defeated Philadelphia 30-19, including 12-1 in the first half.

“Everybody was on the lanes,” said Seattle forward Jared McCann. “We blocked shots. We let them miss the net when we had to. I think that speaks to our character in the room. Guys were stepping into lanes and blocking shots.”

McCann, Justin Schultz, Oliver Björkstrand and Matty Beniers also scored for Seattle. Philipp Grubauer had 17 saves.

Travis Konecny ​​scored twice and Noah Cates had two assists for Philadelphia, who have lost three straight games.

“They just played better in all areas,” said Konecny, who scored 26 goals. “They just wanted it more. They’re a fast team and we knew we were coming in and we just let them do their thing.”

Ivan Provorov also had an assist. Carter Hart (15 saves) allowed four goals from 19 shots before giving way to Samuel Ersson (nine saves) in the second half.

“I’m not going to talk about my hockey team after a performance like this,” said Flyers coach John Tortorella. “That doesn’t do me any good. That’s not good for the team. Those are the people I worry about the most.”

Gourde scored his first goal at 14:39 of the opening period. He added another on the power play at 14:43 of the second.

“It’s good to get some confidence,” said Gourde. “It’s good to shoot the puck and get the puck going. It’s always good to score a few goals up front, but don’t change the way you play at the same time. Just play hard and play your game and good things will happen.

Gourde’s two goals marked a career highlight.

“He does everything, every game all year,” McCann said. “There’s a reason he’s won back-to-back Stanley Cups. This is the guy we need to keep an eye on and learn from.”

The Flyers were 5-0 down after two periods.

McCann opened the scoring early in the first period with an unassisted goal from a man down. It was his 26th season. McCann has scored points in four straight games for the fourth time this season.

Schultz scored Seattle’s first power play goal at 5:52 of the second. The Kraken went 2 for 3 on the power play.

“We knew there was going to be a reaction after the first half,” said Seattle coach Dave Hakstol. “(Philadelphia) had an answer. That power play goal settled things for us and put the momentum back in our favor in the second half.”

Bjorkstrand scored on a breakaway to extend Seattle’s lead to 4-0. Björkstrand has four points in his last three games.

Seattle’s Eli Tolvanen has scored nine goals and 14 points since his Kraken debut on Jan. 1, earning a point in each of Seattle’s last four games.

“We have to show up with everyone and play well as a group to have a chance of winning,” said Hakstol. “We were ready to play tonight.”

NOTES: Thursday’s game was the second and final game between the Kraken and the Flyers and their first meeting in Seattle. The Kraken defeated Philadelphia 4-3 away on February 12. … Justin Schultz has recorded six assists in his last six games against Philadelphia. … The Flyers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 away games.

Flyer: On Saturday in Vancouver.

Kraken: Hosts the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.