1. Like the game against Arizona the other night, the Caps came out flying and really dominated every aspect of the game in the first period. However, this time the Caps were actually able to take advantage while they held the momentum and got an early goal past Carter Hart on a Leipsic rebound. John Carlson, American Hero, had the primary assist on the goal. Shots in the first period were 16-5 in the Capitals favor.
2. The Flyers made the adjustment after the first period and played much stronger the rest of the game. They applied a strong forecheck, created turnovers, and got pucks to the net. Ultimately this resulted in some great scoring opportunities. Credit Holtby for weathering the storm when the Flyers found their rhythm. The Flyers finished the rest of the game with a 26-20 shot advantage.
3. Overtime – The OT period was in large part dominated by the Flyers. They were able to keep Ovi, Backstrom, and Orlov on the ice for a 3:08 shift. Yes, you read that right, 3 minutes! The Flyers made four separate line changes while those three Caps players were on the ice the entire time. How the Flyers didn’t score, I have no idea. Considering how much possession and zone time they had, they didn’t really look like they had any interest in shooting the puck or scoring. Just kidding but seriously.
4. Generally speaking, I felt the Flyers were passing too much throughout the game. They could have shot the puck much more. Sometimes they would pass up a decent look to try and get a great look. It just seemed a little too cute. The Caps would quickly recover to block the shot. Caps held a 17-12 blocked shot advantage. Those stats don’t move mountains but if you watched the game, some of these were very timely blocks.
5. Goalies – Both goalies absolutely crushed it last night and kept their teams in the game. Carter Hart entered the game playing very well. His last three starts he posted a .941 save percentage and 1.61 GA average. He continued his stellar play last night, stopping 35 of the 36 Capitals shots. Down the stretch both guys made some great saves to keep this game in regulation. The Caps had about three fantastic opportunities in the final five minutes of regulation and Carter Hart swallowed up every chance. Caps prevailed in a shootout and lets be honest, Carter Hart didn't stand a chance against TJ Oshie, American Hero.
6. Special Teams – The Capitals have not been great on special teams lately. They are 2 for 16 on the power play in their last four games (12.5%). They have killed 12 of 15 penalties over the same span (80%). Long story short, special teams don’t look great right now for the boys in red. On the other end, The Flyers have killed off 29 of 31 penalties over their last ten games (93.5%). They also converted a PP goal last night.
7. Streaking – The Capitals now have a 13-game point streak. They are 11-0-2 over that span. The Flyers four game win streak came to an end but they did extend their point streak to seven games (5-0-2). The Capitals have now won five straight against the Flyers.
8. This is the first game this entire season where the Capitals did not score a goal in the second period. The streak was at 19 games, that was quite impressive!
9. John Carlson extended his point streak to four games. He was the primary assist on the Caps lone goal of the night. He now has 30 points in 20 games. According to NHL.com this is the eighth time in NHL history a defenseman has needed 20 games or fewer to reach 30 points. It’s the first time it has happened since Al MacInnis in 1990-91.
10. Road Warriors – The Capitals are now 9-1-1 on the road this season. This is by far the best road record in the league.
The Capitals were the better team last night and deserved the extra point. The Flyers have to feel good about hanging with the Capitals, one of the best teams in the league. It is always a treat when these two squads play each other and I look forward to the remaining games head-to-head the rest of the season. The Flyers could be a tough out in the playoffs with Carter Hart in net.
Next Game: Friday 11/15 Vs Montreal Canadiens
Thanks for reading!!
By Brian S.
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