Philadelphia Flyers 2, Buffalo Sabres 0
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PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Jeff Hackett recorded his 24th career shutout as the
Philadelphia Flyers blanked the Buffalo Sabres, 2-0, to open the 2003-04
season in front of 19,131 fans at the Wackovia Center on Thursday. Hackett
turned aside six shots in both the second and third periods and helped shut
down six Buffalo power plays enroute to the victory. With Sabres defenseman
Alexei Zhitnik serving a tripping minor called 54 seconds into the final
stanza, Mark Recchi tallied seven seconds later to break the scoreless tie for
Philadelphia. Michal Handzus added a power-play goal and Justin Williams
registered two assists for the Flyers, who outshot Buffalo, 26-17. Joni
Pitkanen, the fourth overall pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, had an assist
in his professional debut for Philadelphia. Zhitnik, Daniel Briere and
Miroslav Satan each recorded three shots for the Sabres. Ryan Miller made 15
saves heading into the third period but surrendered two goals on 11 shots over
the final 20 minutes in defeat.