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Rick Tocchet’s Philadelphia Flyers (30-22-11) bounced back from Monday’s clunker with a solid 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals (32-27-7) at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Wednesday night. The Flyers were much more engaged mentally and physically on this night. The team did a much better job taking away time and space. Even when they trailed at the first intermission, 1-0, Philly just needed something to go in.
Owen Tippett led the way offensively and in transition. Apart from notching an empty-net goal and assist, Tippett made positive things happen all game. Meanwhile, on his 29th birthday, Travis Konecny scored his 24th goal of the season.Trevor Zegras (22nd) turned a go-and-go with Tippett into the game-winning goal. Jamie Drysdale added a big insurance tally on a toe drag and shoot play above the circles.
The team defended well through the neutral zone and took away time and space from Washington. Samuel Ersson played a solid game in goal, avoiding rebounds and looking poised. He made 21 saves, allowing only a first period Ryan Leonard power play marker (13th). Ersson outplayed Team Canada Olympic backup Logan Thompson (17 saves on 20 shots).
Future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin, who may retire from the NHL at the end of this season, potentially played his final game in Philadelphia. He chipped in a power play assist (84th career points against Philadelphia).
Philadelphia went 0-for-2 on the power play. They were 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.
The Good
- Tippett was a force in this game with his size and speed. He also brought some sandpaper, dishing out a pair of solid body checks. He also had a clutch takeaway. Over the course of the net, Tippett’s feet provided four odd-man rushed and and created a power play.
- Drysdale’s offensive confidence continues to blossom.
- Rasmus Ristolainen provided a rock solid game — physical play, blocking five shots, and logging 21:51 of ice time.
- Tom Wilson’s big hit on Konecny drew a feisty response from Philly. Moreover, they scored on the very next shift.
- After relieving Dan Vladar in the third period on Monday against the Rangers, Ersson cranked out an encouraging start against the Caps.
- Nikita Grebenkin was engaged and feisty in his 14:25 of ice time.
The bad
- The Leonard power play goal marked the fourth opposing PPG the Flyers allowed over five penalty kill opportunities. The two subsequent kills got the job done, however.
- Quiet game for Matvei Michkov (zero shots in 12:46) and Denver Barkey (11:17, zero shots).
- Nick Seeler still seems a bit hobbled from the lower-body injury that kept him out of two games. He is fighting through it, however.
The ugly
- The tripping penalty on Ristolainen late in the first period was ticky-tack at best. However, give credit to Rasmus Sandin for drawing the power play for his team.
- The Flyers were guilty of four failed clears in the first period. They cleaned it up as they went along.
Postgame media availability
Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet
Flyers forward Trevor Zegras
