Caps 4, Flyers 2
Almost every game between these two teams is a blast it seems. The Caps endured a 6-5 overtime loss on Oct. 6 where they had a lead late in regulation. Last season saw a 2-1 shootout win on Jan. 6 then a 4-2 loss on Feb. 24 and a 2-1 win on March 12. The only blowout? A 7-1 loss at Philadelphia last Dec. 20. This one gets added to the list.
Both teams were physical. Flyers captain Mike Richards and Alex Ovechkin banged each other around as usual. Jose Theodore was excellent in goal for Washington with 41 saves as Philadelphia took advantage of five power plays to fire pucks his way all night. But in the end the Caps overcame a 2-0 deficit for the second game in a row. They also did that Saturday night in an overtime win at the New York Islanders. Ovechkin, by the way, scored two goals in a game for the fifth time this season.
Another big moment for the Caps was Backstrom’s power-play goal in the second period. That snapped an 0-for-14 skid on the PP and gives them at least a little momentum heading into Thursday’s rematch with Atlanta. Special teams during last Thursday’s game down there against the Thrashers was…uh….not good. At all.
