PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers clinched a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, with Owen Tippett’s late third-period goal paving the way. The win extends the Flyers’ impressive seven-game point streak, now standing at 5-0-2.
The Flyers, who started the game on a sluggish note, showcased resilience and adaptability. Coach John Tortorella acknowledged the team’s initial flat performance but praised their ability to bounce back. Sean Couturier and Bobby Brink were successful in the shootout for Philadelphia, sealing the win.
Morgan Frost contributed with two assists, and Samuel Ersson, stepping in for the ill Carter Hart, made 27 saves, tying for the league lead in shootout wins this season.
Washington’s efforts were led by Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson, each contributing a goal and an assist. Aliaksei Protas also added two assists for the Capitals. Despite these performances and Charlie Lindgren’s 29 saves, Washington couldn’t hold off the Flyers’ late surge.
The game was notable for Alex Ovechkin’s continued goal drought, now the longest of his NHL career, spanning 11 games. Despite this, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery saw positive aspects in the team’s play, particularly their initial lead heading into the third period.
Tippett’s crucial goal, a spinning wrist shot at 17:01 of the third period, brought the game to a 3-3 tie. Brink had earlier given the Flyers a 1-0 lead, and Farabee’s third-period wraparound tied the game at 2-2. For the Capitals, Connor McMichael and Strome found the net, with Strome’s goal initially giving them a 3-2 lead.
The Flyers’ comeback and subsequent win in the shootout demonstrated their tenacity and resilience, a sentiment echoed by Farabee, who highlighted the team’s mental strength to overcome a flat start.
Injury and illness affected both teams. The Flyers were without Hart, and Washington missed Evgeny Kuznetsov due to illness and Sonny Milano, who is on injured reserve. Joe Snively, recalled from the AHL, played in Milano’s place.
Looking ahead, both teams will aim to build on their performances, with the Flyers carrying momentum from their point streak and the Capitals looking to refine their game after a close loss.
