Flyers Fall in OT to Capitals

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers last meeting with the Washington Capitals just 10 days ago was more evenly played than the final score suggested. But at the end, the Capitals came away with a 4-1 win.

On Saturday night, great goaltending at both ends helped keep the score tight the entire way through. Special teams proved to be the difference, as the Capitals scored on an overtime power play to get a 2-1 win at Verizon Center. 

A chippy first period saw a few scrums and good physical play. There were limited shots for both teams — the Flyers had a 7-6 edge after 20 minutes — but both goalies had to be on point.

The same went for the second period, with both goalies coming up big for their teams. The Flyers outshot the Capitals in the middle frame, 13-12, as the game remained scoreless going to the final period.

After 40 minutes of no scoring, it took just 1:19 for someone to light the lamp. It was the Flyers converting on a slow-developing three-on-two, as Sean Couturier drove the net and deflected a Matt Read pass by Braden Holtby.

But the Flyers lead was short-lived, as just 1:21 later Dmitry Orlov fired a long-range shot through some traffic that beat Steve Mason to tie the game.

The Flyers had two third-period power plays with a chance to get the lead back, including one with 3:13 to play in regulation, but could not convert. They were 0-for-6 on the power play. The Capitals also had a third-period power play and failed to score as well. They went 0-for-3 in regulation.

The game went to overtime tied at one. The Flyers had the edge in shots, 27-22, at the end of regulation.

In the overtime, both teams got chances in the 3-on-3 before Michael Del Zotto took a holding penalty trying to prevent an odd-man rush. Mason made a spectacular save, using his mask to stop T.J. Oshie.

But on the power play, the Flyers couldn't stop the dangerous Capitals power play as Nicklas Backstrom fired a shot through a screened Mason to win the game for Washington.

The Flyers outshot the Capitals in the game, 31-24. Mason was excellent, making 22 saves, many of them difficult saves. Holtby made 30 saves for the win.

The Flyers return to the ice on Tuesday night as they travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

Box Score

Scoring Summary

1st Period

• No Scoring

2nd Period

• No Scoring

3rd Period

• PHI Sean Couturier (10) (Matt Read, Nick Cousins) 1:19
• WSH Dmitry Orlov (5) (Matt Niskanen) 2:40

Overtime

• WSH Nicklas Backstrom (20) PP (Kevin Shattenkirk, Alex Ovechkin) 3:25

Game Statistics