Kuznetsov Scores 2, Capitals Down Flyers

(Kate Frese/Sports Talk Philly)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers had the quick start they were looking for in a crucial game on Wednesday night, only to have it taken away. With a second chance to take control of the scoreboard first, the Washington Capitals did and never looked back.

The Capitals snapped a brief two-game losing streak while the Flyers fell farther in the playoff race, losing to Washington on Wednesday, 4-1, at Wells Fargo Center.

The Flyers appeared to get on the board early, just 23 seconds in. Dale Weise beat out an icing call and centered to Sean Couturier. Out of a scramble in front, Jake Voracek was able to find the loose puck and score to give the Flyers the lead. But Washington challenged the play for goalie interference and sure enough, replay showed Weise pushed Braden Holtby before Voracek's shot crossed the line, so the goal was disallowed.

The Capitals took advantage of the reversal later in the first. After a turnover by Brandon Manning, T.J. Oshie set up Nicklas Backstrom for a strong wrist shot from the right circle that beat Michal Neuvirth to put the Capitals on the board first at 6:33.

The Flyers managed to kill off a Washington power play moments later and made a push back later in the period. The first ended with the Flyers leading in shots, 14-13.

But the Flyers couldn't escape a second Washington power play without damage. With the Flyers struggling to gain possession for a clear, the Capitals cycled the puck until Evgeny Kuznetsov had it with room. He walked in and fired a high shot that quickly went in and out to make it 2-0 Washington at 16:28.

The Flyers again thought they had an early goal in the second. Off a nice rush, Voracek led a pass to Ivan Provorov. Provorov's shot hit the crossbar, but the officials signaled goal on the ice before going to review, where the goal was taken away.

Finally, at 6:34, the Flyers got on the board. Brandon Manning kept the puck in the zone and threw a shot on goal that was deflected by Brayden Schenn for his 19th of the season.

With 4:37 left in the second, the Flyers got their first power play of the game, but failed to get much on goal. Shortly after the power play expired, the Capitals took advantage of a 3-on-2. Justin Williams entered the zone and fed a pass across to Kuznetsov. His shot attempt hit the stick of Radko Gudas and went through the legs of Neuvirth to make it a 3-1 game after two periods.

After going six minutes without generating much, the Flyers got a power play with a chance to cut the lead to one. There were a few close calls, but ultimately Washington killed the penalty and time continued to run out for the Flyers.

With 5:17 to play, Alex Ovechkin roared in with a breakaway. His chance was stopped, but T.J. Oshie followed up and scored to ice the game. 

Holtby made 33 saves to secure the win. Neuvirth stopped 25 shots in the loss.

The Flyers are back on Saturday night when they take it outside against the Pittsburgh Penguins for the NHL Stadium Series. Game time is set for 8 p.m.

Box Score

Scoring Summary

1st Period

• WSH Nicklas Backstrom (18) (T.J. Oshie, Alex Ovechkin) 6:33
• WSH Evgeny Kuznetsov (13) PP (John Carlson, Justin Williams) 16:28

2nd Period

• PHI Brayden Schenn (19) (Brandon Manning) 6:34
• WSH Kuznetsov (14) (Williams, Taylor Chorney) 17:59

3rd Period

• WSH Oshie (24) (Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom) 14:43

Game Statistics