Flyers Struggle in Loss to Capitals

It was the start of a back-to-back weekend of hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers and a huge game for both them and the Washington Capitals.

The Flyers entered last night’s game with a six-point lead over Washington, but the Capitals had two games in hand. It was a significant opportunity for the Flyers to extend their lead to eight points, but they couldn’t capitalize.

Brink Opens Scoring

Bobby Brink put the Flyers on the board just 1:52 into the first period, depositing a rebound past Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren made an initial save on Owen Tippett, but a big rebound allowed Brink to score. Frost and Tippett were credited with assists.

DEJA VU

First shift for Bobby Brink and he gets the goal! pic.twitter.com/dm0U8NYjKu

— Nasty Knuckles (@NastyKnuckles) March 2, 2024

Tippett Extends Lead

The Flyers had the first power play of the game when Dylan Strome was called for tripping. Despite some good looks, they couldn’t score. In the late first period, Tom Wilson’s tripping penalty gave the Flyers their second power play. Tippett made it 2-0 as he wristed one past Lindgren from the left circle, with assists from Zamula and Frost.

Make that 22 goals on the season for Owen Tippett! 🟠⚫️#NHLStats: https://t.co/pwqL8oHcTn pic.twitter.com/Eb2823sEYd

— NHL (@NHL) March 2, 2024

Capitals Strike Back

The Capitals started the second period strong, with Alex Ovechkin scoring just 4:34 in. Wilson and Lapierre were credited with assists. Sonny Milano tied the game at two for the Capitals, receiving a bouncing puck from Max Pacioretty and putting it over Ersson’s shoulder, with Pacioretty as the only assist.

The Capitals continued their dominance in the second period as Carlson beat Ersson on a wrap-around attempt, giving them a 3-2 lead. Lapierre and Sandin provided assists. The Flyers lost momentum and energy from the first period, leading to sloppy plays and poor defense.

Mistakes Cost Flyers

Six minutes into the third period, Sean Walker took a high-sticking penalty, and the Capitals capitalized on the power play. Mantha, left alone in front of the net, scored to give the Capitals a 4-2 lead, with assists from Strome and Wilson. Strome added another goal, extending the Capitals’ lead to 5-2, with Pacioretty as the only assist. The Flyers allowed five unanswered goals in the game.

Ersson struggled, allowing 5 goals on 21 shots, while Lindgren had a solid game, allowing 2 goals on 25 shots.

Both teams went 1 for 3 on the power play, each successfully killing off two power plays.

Milestones

In terms of milestones, Bobby Brink played his 50th career game, and Egor Zamula played his 75th career game. Brink made his debut against the Capitals in Washington almost two years ago.

Goal Summary:

First Period
Brink (9) Assists: Frost (21), Tippett (16)
Tippett (22) (Power Play) Assists: Zamula (12), Frost (22)

Second Period
Ovechkin (17) Assists: Wilson (12), Lapierre (6)
Milano (7) Assists: Pacioretty (11), Strome (23)Carlson (5) Assists: Lapierre (7), Sandin (16)

Third Period
Mantha (19) (Power Play) Assists: Strome (24), Wilson (13)
Strome (22) Assists: Pacioretty (12), Edmundson (5)

Flyers Next Game:
Saturday, March 2nd in Philadelphia against the Ottawa Senators.

MEGHAN REILLY IS A CONTRIBUTOR AND LIVE GAME TWEETER FOR HW HOCKEY
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