Washington Capitals salute fans after win over Philadelphia Flyers - Washington, DC February 1, 2013.
Photo © Patrick McDermott / Getty Images.
Photo © Patrick McDermott / Getty Images.
Philadelphia Flyers 2 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Win!
The Washington Capitals played in their fifth straight 3 - 2 game on February 1, 2013, when they faced the Philadelphia Flyers at home. For only the second time out of those five games, and in fact all eight games of the season, the Capitals won. Both of their wins were games played at home.
Braden Holtby finally got another turn at goaltending for the Caps, after not having brought his best efforts in the first two games of the season. This time he played himself into better fortune. His mates also brought improved fore and backcheckjng, along with good hustle. Meanwhile, the Flyers were all quite sluggish, with their defense being particularly sloppy.
The first period was typically filled with penalties, not a good start for either team. And neither team was able to take advantage of their powerplays. Both went a man down for the game, when Philadelphia's center Zac Rinaldo picked a fight with Washington's forward Matt Hendricks before the puck was dropped on a faceoff. That's an automatic game misconduct and ejection from the game. The altercation came as a result of defenseman John Erskine getting an elbow up into Philly's forward Wayne Simmonds (RW). The on-ice officials didn't deem that intentional, but he may face some extra off-ice time, after the league reviews what took place.
There were plenty more PPs in the second period, but nobody was able to take advantage. Even-strength scoring chances weren't successful either, until after the mid-game point. Bruno Gervais (D) put the Flyers on the scoreboard first, at 11:43. The Capitals would answer back six minutes later on one of Philadelphia's many mistakes. On an offensive zone dump-in, the puck landed on the stick of Caps defenseman John Carlson, who flipped it to center Nicklas Backstrom (C). Backstrom was able to skate in and score on a top-shelf backhand shot unopposed, because half the Flyers were busy screwing up a line change.
Seconds after being crunched along the boards, Troy Brouwer (RW) put Washington ahead, four minutes into the third period. Backstrom started the play from the left wing faceoff circle, then defenseman Mike Green passed the puck back to Brouwer at the same spot. Troy zipped the puck over the shoulder of Ilya Bryzgalov, short side and just under the crossbar. Less than three minutes later, Wojtek Wolski (LW) put Washington ahead by two, on a breakaway created after defenseman Luke Schenn bobbled the puck from a neutral zone faceoff. The Caps held onto a one goal lead after center Brayden Schenn scored halfway through the third period.
Even though Washington lost an important part of their attack in Hendricks late in the first period, they played very well. Philadelphia wasn't at their best, which helped the the Caps a little, but it was still an enjoyable game to watch. It's always good when your team wins, anyway. The Capitals will need a few more, really quickly, if they are to contend for the playoffs this
Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/01/13: Caps players John Carlson, Wojtek Wolski, Nicklas Backstrom and Troy Brouwer address the media after a 3-2 win over the Flyers.
Adam Oates Postgame 02/01/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
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