Flyers Postgame Report: Ovechkin Scores 888, Flyers Fall for 3rd Straight Game

As with any matchup against the Washington Capitals, all eyes are on Alex Ovechkin as he pursues the historic mark of 894 goals set by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin delivered in the chase on Thursday night with another tally to open up the scoring.

That first goal set the stage for another loss for the Flyers, their third straight and eighth in the last nine games, falling to the Capitals, 3-2. With the win, the Capitals became the first team in the NHL this season to clinch a playoff spot.

Shots were at a premium for most of the first period, but at 14:25, the Capitals broke through. It was Ovechkin scoring his 888th career goal to move within seven of setting the all-time goal record.

Through 20 minutes, shots were 6-5 Capitals.

The Capitals added two more goals in the second. At 1:56, a point shot by Matt Roy was deflected by Brandon Duhaime for his eighth goal of the season to make it 2-0.

At 11:06, Andrew Mangiapane finished off an odd-man rush for his 12th of the season to make it 3-0.

Through two periods, shots were 14-12 Washington.

The Flyers got on the board at 5:10 of the third to snap the shutout streak. Ryan Poehling cut to the net and scored his sixth goal of the season to make it 3-1.

The Capitals answered just over a minute later, but the goal was disallowed for a missed stoppage due to a hand pass.

With the goalie pulled, the Flyers cut the lead to one with 2:36 to play. A loose puck was spotted by Sean Couturier and confirmed to be a good goal after a coach’s challenge, making it a 3-2 game.

Charlie Lindgren made 26 saves on 28 shots in the win. Sam Ersson made 13 saves on 16 shots in the loss.

Anthony Beauvillier had two assists for the Capitals. Poehling had two points for the Flyers,

The Flyers continue on the road trip on Saturday afternoon against the Dallas Stars at 2 p.m.