The Washington Capitals traveled to Philadelphia for game one of a back-to-back set with their eyes on a potential move up the standings to try and catch a wild card spot. The first period started out strong as the Capitals special teams were solid, killing off two Flyer power plays and getting on the board with a power-play goal of their own courtesy of Ryan Leonard. But for the second game in a row, the Capitals had a terrible second period – and unfortunately this time, were not able to take charge of the third period.
With less than eight minutes in the second period the Capitals failed to keep the puck in the offensive zone leading to a two-on-one, with only Aliaksei Protas in position to make a defensive play.
It did not work.
Protas split the two rushing Flyers, going after Owen Tippett to his right, but Tippett was able to slide the puck over to Trevor Zegras who got the puck past Protas, past Logan Thompson, and into the back of the net.
Despite having the whole of the third to come back, the Capitals could not muster any more offense in response, giving up another goal to Jamie Drysdale about halfway through the third and then an empty-netter from Owen Tippett en route to a 4-1 loss.
No rest for the very, very weary, as the Caps are right back in action tonight against the red-hot Buffalo Sabres.