Grading Washington Capitals defense against Philadelphia Flyers

Next up on our Washington Capitals report cards for postgame we're going to breakdown the defense which was excellent on Tuesday but almost fell off the wagon on Wednesday. Tuesday the defense allowed one goal but would go on to allow three on Wednesday.

Now it isn't the easiest thing in the world to completely dominate an opponent two days in a row especially when that opponent is coached by none other than John Tortorella.

Travis Konecny connected on the power play to put the Flyers on the board at 12:04 to beat starting Caps goaltender Logan Thompson. Just over four minutes later Owen Tippett scored. The Caps defense allowed just three shots on goal in the opening period but that number went up to 17 in the second period.

Spencer Carbery explained to Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post, "You could tell we were absolutely gassed, physcially and mentally. Poor decisions and back on our heels."

Michkov would make it a 4-3 game at 6:36 of the third period. Jamie Drysdale would contribute with two assists, telling Harvey Valentine of NHL.com, "He's a pretty electric player when he has the puck, and he really makes things happen out there. He probably could have had three goals tonight, too. Heck of an offensive talent."

The Caps would though at the very least answer with two empty netters to seal the win. Spencer Carbery added in the same story:

You've got to give our guys a lot of credit to be able to dig in there in the third period. It was touch and go. I just watched a wraparound at 4-3 that (Thompson) didn't know the puck was over there and it hits his skate blade. So, a lot of dicey situations there protecting that lead, but we dug in and did enough to get two points against a team that was pretty desperate.

Grade B-: Slightly above average but it gets a B- due to the second period.