It was a tale of two teams. Washington, who dominated throughout the regular season, came in with a bit of a lull, going from the dominate team they were early to one that was just very good. Philadelphia came in with emotion, as their long time owner passed away just before the series started. The Capitals looked like the dominate team throughout, increasing their output in the first three games. A sweep would not be in the cards, as a new goalie gave new life to the Flyers. Game 5 was all Michal Neuvirth, as he stood tall in shutting out his old team. The win started to conjure up bad memories of Capital teams past, failing to win a series that on paper they should have no trouble winning. Fears were laid to rest in Game Six, as it was Holtby's turn to earn the donut. Washington finished off Philadelphia in six games.
Games
Philadelphia Flyers 0 - Washington Capitals 2
Philadelphia had an advantage early on, as Caps defenseman John Carlson was penalized for hooking. The man-advantage wasn't much of one though, as the Capitals killed it. Brooks Orpik was sent to the box eight minutes in for checking to the head. The Flyers powerplay was much better this time around, but still could not find the back of the net. Washington took over for a bit after killing the penalty, but the game remained tied. Orpik found himself in the box once again, and once again it was for hitting Nick Cousins (this time it was called interference). It was the same for the Flyers, as they went 0-3 on the powerplay in the period. As time ran down, Matt Read would get a chance from the faceoff circle, but Braden Holtby was there to stop it. Both teams had chances early in the second, but could not capitalize on them. Washington got a break minutes into the period, as Mark Streit was sent off for hooking. The Capitals were able to set up and get multiple chances, but could not find a way past Steve Mason. It was back-and-forth for a while, until Dmitri Orlov was called for tripping near the halfway mark. A fourth powerplay wasn't enough for the Flyers, as they still could not capitalize on the man-advantage. Sean Couturier would leave the game minutes later after getting hit by Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals would get their second powerplay in the game, as Ryan White was sent to the box for charging. Just like the first powerplay they had though, Washington had the chances, but no finish. It wasn't long until Washington would get another man-advantage, as Brandon Manning was for batting the puck out of play. The third time was the charm for the Capitals, as Carlson's point shot was deflected and bounced past Mason. Washington kept up the pressure, but did not manage to extend their lead, as they headed into the intermission up 1-0. Washington had a couple of powerplays early in the third. The first one (Flyers were called for too many men), the Caps were set up for the majority of the man-advantage, but the Flyers did well in blocking most of the shots. The second (Sam Gagner double-minor for high sticking) did not go as well. Washington did not get many chances, as Philadelphia did well in stifling any chance the Caps had at setting up something. While there was some rough stuff, it finally boiled over with under seven minutes left in the period. A hit from behind from Tom Wilson led to him and Wayne Simmonds getting into a fight. Initially, it looked like Philadelphia was going to get a powerplay as well, but the refs tacked on an extra two minutes for Simmonds, keeping the game at 5-on-5 and send both to the dressing room in the process. Play went to 4-on-4 minutes later, as Shayne Gostisbehere (Flyers) and Andre Burakovsky (Capitals) received offsetting minors. Evgeni Kuznetsov had the best chance on the opened-up ice, but was stopped before getting hit into the net. Once it was back to 5-on-5, Washington struck. Jay Beagle snapped a shot past Mason, making it 2-0 for Washington. Holtby stopped 19 shots in the shutout effort, as the Capitals hung on to win 2-0. The win gives Washington a 1-0 series lead.
Philadelphia Flyers 1 - Washington Capitals 4
The Flyers had the best chance early on, but had it blocked by the Caps defense. It was a while later until the next great chance happened. Nicklas Backstrom slid the puck across the crease to Ovechkin, who had an open net to shoot at. Unfortunately for the Caps, Ovechkin did not get much of the shot, thanks to Radko Gudas getting a stick in the way. The period advance with both teams not getting much in the way of quality chances. One highlight though was Oveckhin hitting Brayden Schenn into the Flyers bench. Washington caught a break around the 14-minute mark, as Manning was called for holding Kuznetsov's stick. Washington would capitalize on the powerplay, as John Carlson's wrist shot from the point beat Mason, who was screened by two Capitals. Philadelphia put the pressure on for the rest of the period, but could not beat Holtby (even with a 5-on 3 powerplay at one point). The period ended with Washington up 1-0. The second period started off 4-on-4, as Gudas and Jason Chimera were in the box for cross-checking and high-sticking (respectively). The Capitals dominated for the two minutes, but could not find the back of the net. Mason made a highlight reel save in the process, going full-out on the splits to stop Carlson's one-timer. The Mason giveth and the Mason taketh though, as less than a minute later he'd give up the worst goal in playoff (if not NHL) history. Orpik passed the puck from behind his own goal line to Chimera near center ice. Chimera deflected the puck, but it looked like it was going for icing. Mason tried to track the puck so it went behind his net and get the icing call, but ended up getting his pad in the way and deflecting it behind him and into the net. Chimera got credited for a 100-foot deflection, as the Capitals were now up 2-0. Halfway through the period, the game would go back to 4-on-4, as a scrum resulted in penalties for Burakovsky and Nick Cousins. This turned out well for the Flyers, as Jakub Voracek slid the puck underneath Holtby's pad and into the net, making it a 2-1 game. Shortly after, the Flyers would get a 4-on-3 (that turned into a 5-on-4). Despite multiple chances, they could not beat Holtby to tie the game. Tom Wilson nearly made it 3-1 later in the period, but rang it off the post. Washington got a powerplay moment later, as Streit was called for hooking. The powerplay didn't last too long, as Backstrom found a wide open Ovechkin in his spot, and he made good on the one-timer. The period ended minutes later, as Washington headed into the intermission up 3-1. Chimera had a good chance to score his second of the game early in the period, but missed on a 2-on-1 attempt. Minutes later, Kuznetsov had a good chance at extending the lead, but Mason reached back and stopped the sharp-angle shot. The physicality picked up midway through the period, highlighted by Mike Richards levelling a speeding Cousins. Throughout the period, Philadelphia pushed, desperately trying to get a second goal. Holtby stood tall though, stopping everything he faced. Backstrom capped off the scoring late in the game, keeping on a 3-on-2 and beating Mason short side. With seconds left in the period, Chris VandeVelde managed to deke-out Holtby, but out not beat the post. Washington won 4-1, making the series 2-0 in their favour.
Washington Capitals 6 - Philadelphia Flyers 1
Game 3 had an emotional start, as the Flyers organization aired a montage in honour of Ed Snider, their founder and owner that recently passed away. Philadelphia got off to a quick start. Manning's point shot was block by his teammate Michael Raffl. Raffl then took the puck and slid it past a down Holtby, making it 1-0 for the home team. The Flyers kept up the pressure, but could not beat Holtby. Washington would get a 2-on-1, but Justin Williams missed an open net. While they didn't score, they did get a powerplay, as Simmonds was called for holding. The powerplay didn't last long for the Capitals, as Carlson's point shot deflected off of Marcus Johansson and into the net, tying the game at 1-1. Washington would get another powerplay minutes later, as Raffl was called for interference. While the Capitals kept in control of the puck, most of their shots were either blocked or missed the net completely. The Flyers would get a powerplay soon after, as Chimera was sent to the box for roughing. Their powerplay was much less eventful though, as they didn't get much in the way of chances. The rest of the period went by relatively quiet, but ended with a penalty. Richards was called for goaltending interference, giving the Flyers seven seconds on the powerplay before the intermission. The Flyers started the second still on the man-advantage, but could not get anything going. Gudas took a penalty minutes later, putting Washington back on the powerplay. It wasn't until the back end of the powerplay when Washington started to get something going. That continued after the powerplay end, as the Capitals kept up the pressure. It ended when Ovechkin stepped off the bench, corralled the puck, took a couple strides in, and snapped it past Mason. Washington was now up 2-1, and started to get into a defensive shell. Philadelphia picked up the pace the rest of the way, looking to tie the game. They got a powerplay thanks to Daniel Winnik's blindside hit on Gostisbehere. While there was a bit of a setback, as Simmonds received a penalty during it (Richards for the Capitals also got one), the Flyers powerplay was better. Washington also lost one of their penalty killers in the process, as Orpik was hit awkwardly in to the boards and needed some help leaving. While the powerplay didn't result in a goal, the Flyers kept pressing on even-strength. They almost had a goal, as Gudas' point shot ended up going off the post. Their play did result in a powerplay, as Kuznetsov went off for hooking. That lasted the rest of the period, as Schenn was called for slashing at the end of the period. The third period started with Washington up 2-1 and play at 4-on-4. Kuznetsov's penalty would end first, which was a good thing for the Capitals. Williams dump-in of the puck hit a stanchion in the corner and bounced right out front. Kuznetsov grabbed the loose puck and beat Mason before the Capitals powerplay expired, putting them up 3-1. The ice opened up minutes later, as offsetting minors by Streit and Oshie, and a tripping penalty by Gudas seconds later made it a 4-on-3 for Washington. It was good for them, as Carlson blasted one past Mason to make it 4-1 Capitals. The game got ugly later on, as Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was giving a five and a game for hitting Orlov from behind and into the boards. The ensuing (semi-) line brawl also resulted in misconduct penalties for Gudas and Ryan White. The game was delayed before the next faceoff, as the crowd threw bracelets on the ice. The five minute powerplay resulted in an Ovechkin slapshot beating Mason. Bracelets rained down again, as the crowd was displeased. A delay of game penalty was assessed because of this. Jay Beagle added one more powerplay goal to cap off the scoring. Washington's 6-1 victory put them up 3-0 in the series, and one game closer to advancing to the second round.
Washington Capitals 1 - Philadelphia Flyers 2
Looking for some kind of spark, Philadelphia made a change in goal. Michal Neuvirth went in net for Mason, and got to face his old team. Both teams had a chance early on to put up a goal, but neither found the back of the net. The Flyers picked it up five minutes in, and while no gola was scored, they did draw a penalty. For once, their powerplay clicked, as Gostisbehere's point shot beat Holtby. It was reviewed for goaltender interference, but the goal was upheld. Both the Capitals and Flyers exchanged shots for most of the period, with very little in the way of good chances. The injury bug hit Philly late in the period, as Scott Laughton was fling into the board and needed to be stretchered off the ice (he was conscious and moved a bit, which is a good sign). When play continued, Washington was in control for the rest of the period. Despite that, Philadelphia hung on and ended the period up 1-0. The second period started a bit slow, but the Flyers would pick it up after a couple minutes. They were rewarded, as Andrew MacDonald 's point shot beat a screened Holtby. For the first time in the series, the Flyers scored two goals in a game. Play would go back-and-forth for a while, with play shifting in the Capitals favour as the period went on. A penalty by Gagner gave the Capitals a chance to continue with their red-hot powerplay. It went ice-cold on their attempt though, as the Flyers killed it off. Holding penalties by Backstrom and Voracek seconds part opened up the ice, as it was 4-on-4 for the rest of the period. The period ended with Philadelphia up 2-0. 4-on-4 play continued for a couple seconds to start the third period, but neither team did much with the opened-up ice. A few minutes later, Washington struck. Matt Niskanen's oint shot was stopped, but T.J. Oshie collected the rebound and backhanded it past a sprawling Neuvirth. It sparked Washington's offense a bit, but could not find an equalizer. They kept pressing though, as Philadelphia spent quite a bit of time in their own zone. The Capitals did pull Holtby for an extra attacker, but ran out of time in their attempt for a tying goal. The Flyers hung on to win 2-1, making the series 3-1 as they head back to Washington.
Philadelphia Flyers 2 - Washington Capitals 0
Neuvirth stayed the starter in this game, as the Flyers once again looked to avoid elimination. Tempers flared seconds into the game, with Schenn and Oshie exchanging punches. A minute later, Williams was given a double-minor for high-sticking, putting the Flyers on the powerplay. The Flyers best chance came with Simmonds in front of the net, but he could not beat the pad of Holtby. The Capitals even had a chance while shorthanded, but Beagle could not convert on it. Just 37 seconds after Williams stepped out of the box, Gudas would go in, giving the Capitals a powerplay of their own. They would fire at will on net, but could not beat Neuvirth. Philadelphia got another powerplay midway through the period when again Williams found himself in the box (this time for interference). The Flyers could only muster one shot on that man advantage. It got heated again late in the period, with Jason Chimera (Capitals) and Nick Schultz (Flyers) both receiving roughing penalties. The penalty would expire, then the first period, as both teams stayed tied at 0-0. Both teams each had and early powerplay in the second (they overlapped each other), but neither could capitalize on them. Williams found himself yet again in the box, this time for high-sticking. While the Fylers did not score on that opportunity either, it didn't take them long after it to find the back of the net. Ryan White's rebound shot hit Taylor Chorney's skate and went into the Capitals net, giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead. The later half of the period was all Washington. The Capitals fired shot after shot on Neuvirth, who was determined to not let anything past him. It was much the same way in the third, with the Capitals completely dominating play. Both teams took a penalty in the third, and both managed to kill them off. Despite the onslaught of shots, Washington could not beat Neuvirth. Chris VandeVelde added an empty net goal, and Neuvirth stopped a total of 44 shots, as Philadelphia shut out Washington 2-0. The win was the Flyers second in a row, as they close the series gap to 3-2.
Washington Capitals 1 - Philadelphia Flyers 0
Philadelphia looked to push for a Game Seven. Washington started where they left off, controlling play for the early part of the first. It took the Flyers over eight minutes in to register a shot on net (the Capitals had four by then). The Flyers got into penalty trouble in the first, as on three different occasions they had a player sent to the box. The Capitals powerplay put up the shot attempts, but even with a 5-on-3 at one point, could not put the puck in the back of the net. The first period ended at a 0-0 draw. The Capitals had a good start to the second, but that was derailed four minutes in with penalties. First, Backstrom was given a double-minor for high-sticking, then just five seconds later, Matt Niskanen was called for hooking. Even with a full, two minute 5-on-3, the Flyers could not get a goal. With 1:30 left in Philadelphia's powerplay, White would be called for holding the stick, resulting in 4-on-4 for the next little bit. The Capitals controlled play for the most part, but could not strike, even with a 30 powerplay afterwards. White wasn't out of the box for long when his team gave up the first goal. Backstrom finished off a tic-tac-toe play by one-timing the puck past Neuvirth, giving the Capitals a 1-0 lead. Washington kept up their play, but could not extend their lead. The best chance they got was late in the period, when Beagle's backhand on a 2-on-1 was stopped. The second period ended with the Capitals up a goal. Washington would get an early powerplay in the third when Gagner was called for hooking. The Capitals tried to extend their lead on the man advantage, but could not. The Flyers started to attack, looking for a goal to tie the game. Most of their chances came later in the period. Holtby stood tall though, not letting the puck go by him. He ended up stopping 26 shots, as Washington went on to shut out Philadelphia 1-0. The win was the Capitals fourth of the series, as they now move on to the second round.
Three Thoughts on the Series
- Guessing the Flyers should have gone to Neuvirth to start the series.
- Part of me feels bad for Mason, having given up such a bad goal. The other part still can't believe it. At least with other bad goals, there is something to them (bouncing puck, seeing-eye shot). This one just trickled right up to him. He would've been better standing up and watching it slide by for an icing.
- I get the Flyers fans frustration and throwing bracelets on the ice (I don't condone it, but I understand it). Still, maybe during the game wasn't the best time (if there is one) to throw them.
Ovechkin and Simmonds trying to stop Flyers fans from throwing bracelets on the ice. Spoiler: it did not work.
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| (Picture via The Score) |
Highlight of the Series
Steve Mason, from hero to zero in less than a minute.
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