Capitals Vs Flyers February 27, 2013 Game Review

Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals were overstretched in Philadelphia, PA on Feb. 27, 2013.
Photo © Tom Mihalek / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 1 Vs Philadelphia Flyers 4 = Road Game Loss

Things did not go well for the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night - February 27, 2013. While trying to build on their two game win streak, Washington's fortunes took a downward turn, and they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Twenty-three seconds into the game, Philadelphia right-winger Claude Giroux got first strike, when his wrist shot sent the puck by Capitals starting goaltender Braden Holtby. Holtby was looking sharp at this point in the game, but he wasn't getting the best efforts from some of his teammates, in front of him.

Washington's special teams didn't show up for this game. They failed to kill off two of their five penalties, with right wing Wayne Simmonds scoring on the man-advantage in the first period, and left wing Simon Gagné about four minutes into the second. The Capitals were also unable to find success on any of their five power-plays.

Braden Holtby had lost his effectiveness by the midpoint of the game, if not by the time Gagné scored the third Flyers goal. He would later be replaced by 21 year old AHL call-up goaltender Philipp Grubauer, right after Holtby let in a fourth goal. That one came from center Maxime Talbot, about five minutes before the end of period two.

Thankfully, Philadelphia got nothing through Grubauer in his just over twenty-five minutes between the pipes. He stopped fourteen shots, while playing solidly in his first NHL hockey game. However, Washington didn't mount much of a comeback.

The Capitals wrecked any chance of a shutout for Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, when they finally got one in on late in the third period. Centerman Joel Ward was the lone Caps goal scorer, on the night. Ward, whose line had more energy than any other Washington trio, was aided by defenseman Tom Poti and the always hard working forward Jay Beagle.

It sure would help the Capitals, if they could be a little more consistent. Perhaps, they were tired. They didn't seem to have very much edge or grit during this game. What happened to their checking? What happened to their power-play and penalty-killing? Washington has to bring these elements every game, to be consistent, and to win.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Philadelphia Flyers On Feb. 27, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/27/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Philipp Grubauer, Joel Ward and Karl Alzner address the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/27/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Flyers Vs Capitals February 1, 2013 Game Review

Washington Capitals salute fans after win over Philadelphia Flyers - Washington, DC February 1, 2013.
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 -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season.

Game Highlights: Philadelphia Flyers At Washington Capitals February 1, 2013

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.