The Philadelphia Flyers will welcome Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals this afternoon in what will be their second game in less than ten days against each other. The Flyers are coming off of a four-day rest after playing back-to-back games against the Carolina Hurricanes and St. Blues-both of which ended in losses, although Philadelphia did manage to earn a point in overtime against Carolina.
With injuries playing a key role in Philadelphia’s struggles all season long, the Flyers will be happy to have Joel Farabee and Carter Hart back in the lineup for Saturday’s game vs. the Capitals.
The Flyers may also be able to use both Derick Brassard and Kevin Hayes soon. Brassard is pushing through his hip injury, while Hayes is seemingly making a quick recovery despite originally being thought to be out for the remainder of the season. Head coach Mike Yeo has stated that Hayes has had many visits with doctors and positive news for Hayes after an MRI. The 29-year-old had a procedure done on his midsection in January, and may finally be ready to return to the lineup sometime soon.
Philadelphia Flyers
Record: 15-26-10 (40 pts, 8th in Metro)
Philadelphia is coming off six-straight losses as they head into this divisional matchup against Washington. The Flyers have unfortunately set a franchise record of two separate 10-game losing streaks this year, and are closing in on a third if they continue the trend they are on. With Farabee returning to the lineup, and Hart playing between the pipes, the Flyers are going in to Saturday’s game a bit healthier than they have been in some time.
They are just nine points out from last place in the league and currently in the bottom-five worst teams in the league’s standings. Philadelphia will have to do a little more than rely on their bottom-six forwards for offensive production if they hope to put an end to their losing streak anytime soon. Veteran players like Travis Konecny and Scott Laughton have been playing well lately, but they could certainly use some support from other veterans like van Riemsdyk, Atkinson, and Lindblom.
Projected Lineup
Farabee – Giroux – Atkinson
Lindblom – Laughton – Konecny
van Riemsdyk – Brassard – Mayhew
Brown – Ratcliffe – MacEwen
Provorov – Braun
Sanheim – Ristolainen
Yandle – Seeler
Hart
Washington Capitals
Record: 28-16-9 (65 pts, 4th in Metro)
The Washington Capitals are hoping to find their form as they make their push for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Currently sitting with a 10-point lead in the first slot for the Wild Card, the Capitals will look to go on a winning run that could land them a more favorable playoff matchup in the Eastern Conference. Two points in Philadelphia could prove useful as Washington play their next two games against top Eastern Conference teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, and aim to jump higher in the standings.
Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is leading his team in both goals (32) and points (63), and is also second in assists (31) only trailing Evgeny Kuznetsov by three. After losing their last game 4-1 to the New York Rangers, Ovechkin and the Capitals will hope to power through Philadelphia as they head in into two very tough and important games remaining on their schedule.
Projected Lineup
Ovechkin – Kuznetsov – Sheary
Snively – Backstrom – Wilson
McMichael – Eller – Oshie
Hagelin – Dowd – Hathaway
Fehervary – Carlson
Orlov – Jensen
van Riemsdyk – Schultz
Samsonov
When, Where, and How to Watch
Time: 12:30 PM
Where: Wells Fargo Center
TV Broadcast: NHL Network, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio Broadcast: 97.5 FM
Live Stream: Fubo TV
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