Flyers face tough test against post-deadline Capitals
It’s officially post deadline time as the Flyers travel to Capital One Arena to take on the Washington Capitals. It’s yet another important game for any playoff hopes that remain in Philadelphia.
This is the fifth of eight meeting between the Flyers and Capitals. Washington has won the last three games, each game being separated by no more than one goal. Philadelphia was unable to mount a late comeback the last time these two faced off.
That was over a month ago. Both teams looks a bit different than the last time they faced off. The Flyers shed a few expiring contracting while the Capitals made a big splash at the deadline.
Philadelphia Flyers
Record: 19-16-6 (44 points)
Philadelphia remains on their last leg in regards to making the playoffs. A collapse on Sunday afternoon against Buffalo should’ve ended their chances. They got some help from tonight’s opponent as put up eight goals on the Bruins that night.
So the Flyers remain four points out with less than a month to go. The games continue to be magnified as Philadelphia practically needs to win out and/or hope that Boston collapses in front of them. With the addition of Taylor Hall, though, that might be tough to ask.
The Flyers will be without Erik Gustafsson as he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for a 2022 seventh-round pick. The veteran defensemen was brought in to try and help a young defense. However, the fit between the two sides just wasn’t there.
Michael Raffl also saw himself traded as the team sent him to the Capitals for a 2021 fifth round pick. Raffl, who is reportedly still injured, will not face off against his former team tonight.
Of note, we should see some fresh faces in the lineup down the stretch. Chuck Fletcher mentioned Tanner Laczynski will remain with the NHL team the rest of the season. We could potentially see players such as Wade Allison and Cam York at some point as well.
van Riemsdyk – Couturier – Farabee
Laughton – Hayes – Patrick
Konecny – Giroux – Voracek
Lindblom – Laczynski – Aube-Kubel
Provorov – Braun
Sanheim – Hagg
Gostisbehere – Morin
Elliott
Hart
Washington Capitals
Record: 27-11-4 (58 points)
The first place Capitals come into tonight’s game as an even tougher opponent than before. After acquiring Raffl from Philadelphia, Washington made a huge splash right before the deadline ended.
They sent Jakub Vrana, Richard Panik, a 2021 first and second round pick to the Detroit Red Wings. In return, they received Anthony Mantha. Mantha has star potential when healthy and was a bright star on the Detroit. He has 11 goals and 21 points in 42 games.
As always, Alex Ovechkin will be tough to stop. He comes into this one with a four-game goal-streak against the Flyers. This comes after the team held him scoreless in their matchups last season.
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Wilson
Mantha – Backstrom – Oshie
Sheary – Eller – Sprong
Hagelin – Dowd – Hathaway
Orlov – Carlson
Dillon – Schultz
Chara – Jensen
Samsonov
Vanecek
When, Where and How To Watch
Time: 7 PM EST
Location: Capital One Arena
TV Broadcast: NBCSP, NBCSN, NBCSWA
Radio Broadcast: 97.5 The Fanatic
Livestream: Fubo TV
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