This game opened a tough three game in a week stretch that has Detroit and Pittsburgh on the horizon. Not that the Flyers are in that league these days but they do generally seem to play the Caps tough. In fact, they generally brought the play to the Caps through the first period but came out of it tied at two.
Brooks Laich broke out of his slump with a net-crashing goal in the first and basically iced the game in the third with a shortie.
Ovie broke his 0-5 penalty shot streak with a sick backhand move that made it look easy. Some commentators thought that might have been a soft call but I disagree - he had a clear path to the goal and a legitimate scoring opportunity was denied when he was wrapped up from behind and lost control of the puck. In today's NHL, I don't know how you can call a penalty on that play and *not* award a penalty shot. Plus, the Flyers were better off, statistically, facing an OV penalty shot than a Caps power play.
All in all, a good win. The Flyers played a good road game - and a remarkably clean one - but made just a few too many mistakes.
Two straight wins for Theo (actually three - since got the win in relief against Florida) who is looking confident and sharp - which is a good thing since Varly's "early January" targeted return date is now stretching into February and his appearance in the Olympics is becoming doubtful. I'm sensing concern on the part of management about his viability and durability headed for the playoff stretch.
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