Capitals Finish Road Trip with Victory Over Flyers

Alex Ovechkin, Anthony Mantha, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Ovechkin, Anthony Mantha, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Capitals ended off a six game road trip in good style, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. What was a solid team effort gave the Capitals their second consecutive win, earning a well needed two points against a divisional foe.

In a lackluster first period for both teams, it was the Flyers that got on the board first with a power play goal scored by Kevin Hayes. A wrist shot from the point that beat Charlie Lindgren clean, gave the bad guys the 1-0 advantage with just over 4 minutes to play in the first period. The Capitals failed to connect on three man-advantages in the opening frame, while getting outshot 7-4 in the period.

With just under 4 minutes into the second period, the Capitals managed to defeat their power play demons, courtesy of T.J. Oshie’s fifth goal of the year. Beating Flyers goaltender, Carter Hart up high from the slot, Oshie’s goal gave the Caps a boost of momentum, tying the game at one apiece. Oshie’s marker deemed to be the lone goal of the middle frame, with the Caps outshooting the Flyers 16-15 thus far.

A Dylan Strome deflection granted the Capitals the lead with his second point of the game, nearing the half way mark of the third period. Strome’s sixth of the year was what ultimately ended up being the game winning goal, leading the Capitals to a strong victory over the Broad Street Bullies.

Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson added two assists each on the night while Alexander Ovechkin added two empty net goals to seal the game. Ovechkin topped it off with some rough stuff involving an emotional Travis Konecny of the Flyers, who seemed upset about Ovi’s second goal.

Philadelphia outshot the Capitals with a total of 30-27, but Charlie Lindgren got the better of the Flyers earning second star of the game on a solid 29 save night. Dylan Strome was a well deserved first star of the game recording a goal and an assist. The Mississauga, Ontario native now has 22 points on the year, and is on pace for a career high in points. Alex Ovechkin recorded goals 794 and 795 and now sits 99 goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky on the all-time goals list in NHL history.

The Washington Capitals will be back in action Friday night, as they return home to face the Seattle Kraken. Alex Ovechkin and company will be looking to make it three straight wins, as they continue to find their way back into the playoff discussion. Puck drop will commence at 7:00 PM Est.