Capitals get crushed by Flyers 6-2 in preseason opener

Washington Capitals preseason hockey got underway in a 6-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena. In the first period the Flyers struck twice with goals from Bobby Brink and Morgan Frost at the four minute mark and at 16:44.

Andrew Cristall put the Caps on the board at 17:20 with assists from Alex Alexeyev and Ethan Bear. Shots were even at seven apiece after one.

In the second the Flyers outshot the Caps 9-5. At 10:22 Joel Farabee struck on the power play at 10:22. At 18:35 Ivan Miroshnichenko scored on the power play at 18:35 to make it a 3-2 game.

In the third it was all Flyers. Brink added his second of the game at 5:37. At 6:51 Olle Lycksell scored at 6:51. Frost added his second of the game on the power play at the 12 minute mark to round out the scoring. The Caps were outshot 12-9 in the third and 28-21 overall.

Spencer Carbery said after the game about Andrew Cristall via Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network

He was around the puck all night. It sorta seems to follow him around in situations, the breakaway. Had a bunch of good opportunities that he was able to create. Scores the goal. So I thought he was very noticeable tonight.

Cristall would add

I feel like last year it was a little bit of trying to fit in and not mess up. This year, I'm trying to be out there and make a difference and try and make something happen. Just a little bit more confident.

El-Bashir would ask Terik Parascak who recorded an assist at which point did his heart rate stablize and the rookie cracked a smile and said

I don't think it ever did. Just the whole atmosphere of everything and waiting for this moment. Yeah, I don't think it ever did.

With the Caps off today there will indeed be some roster cuts going on so stay tuned.