Simmonds, Talbot Lead Flyers in Romp Over Sabres

Wayne Simmonds scored two goals after he was hit in the face in warmups and Max Talbot also scored twice, leading the Philadelphia Flyers to a 7-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

Erik Gustafsson scored his first career NHL goal as part of a four-goal second period for the Flyers. That surge bailed out goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who allowed two goals in the first.

Jakub Voracek and Scott Hartnell added goals in the third for the Flyers to turn this one into a rout. Claude Giroux had five assists.

Simmonds was hit in warmups and joined the bench minutes into the first period. He wore a full face shield for protection.

Simmonds, who already has a career high in goals, scored consecutive goals in the second for a 3-2 lead. Sabres goalie Jhonas Enroth was yanked after allowing three straight goals. Ryan Miller allowed one to Gustafsson, giving the Flyers four goals on their first 10 shots of the period.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)