We all expected an intense match-up Wednesday when the Flyers came to DC, and we got what we paid for. The Caps were ready to defend their position atop the Metropolitan Division against the 2nd place Flyers (3 points behind), especially with the 3rd place Penguins on their heels (does Pennsylvania have a grudge against DC? Insert swing-state joke here?) The Flyers have won six straight and are one of the hottest teams in the league since New Years. They’ve also had Washington’s number all season (2-0-1), and this was the first of three tough division games (Rangers, Penguins) that will test late-season endurance and discipline over the next week.
Multiple fights (Tom Wilson could star in a pay-per-view special), abundant penalties, and overall aggression characterized this grudge match. DC has 19 wins and zero losses when leading in the first period, and Lars Eller did his best to stack the odds in the Caps’ favor. After a 1-0 early lead in the 1st, though, heart beats spiked over and over in the 2nd as Philly took the momentum.
Philly’s defense honed in to keep Ovechkin scoreless, just as they did through the first 3 meetings of the season. Oshie and Ovechkin nearly scored midway through the period, and Holtby saved a close goal with some quick thinking by scooting forward before the puck could be found. Turns out, it didn’t really matter.
The rest of the 2nd was a disaster for the Caps. Four penalties (and four power plays) killed any chance of a solid DC defense and Philly responded with three goals to gain a 3-2 lead. Philadelphia dominated Washington in shot numbers, but that’s no surprise considering power plays took away DC’s chance to have a concerted offense. One bright point, though, was Brenden Dillon who made his presence known on his new team through some solid hits.
The Capitals failed to take advantage of a penalty early in the 3rd (they were 0-5 scoring during power plays all night), and the Flyers followed with their 4th goal (13 minutes left) and their 5th goal (5 minutes left). Honestly, the relentless Philly offense could have walked away with a couple more goals if not for a few lucky breaks and quick defensive plays. Overall, a disappointing performance by DC. We’re going to need some more discipline and more more mid-game mojo going forward. Get your fingernails ready, because the next few weeks are going to be a ride into the playoffs.
