Flyers Make a Late Game Push, Still Fall 3-2 to Washington

The Philadelphia Flyers broke their scoreless streak but were handed their third-straight loss Thursday night, as the Washington Capitals beat Philly 3-2.

Ryan Poehling and Sean Couturier scored for the Flyers on Thursday.

With the loss, the Flyers record dropped to 28-34-8 this season.

Read More: NHL GM Meeting Rundown: Trump’s Surprise Comment; All-Star Shakeup & More from Commissioner Bettman

Who Else but Ovechkin

With his eyes on Wayne Gretzky’s goal record (894), who else but Alex Ovechkin (35, 888) to get the scoring started in the game.

It was not the not the busiest first period. The Capitals edged the Flyers in shots, winning the battle 6-5 in the first period. 11 shots on goal (or at least close) is what you would typically see from the Flyers and Capitals individually in a period, not combined. That has seemingly been a trend lately.

The Flyers seemed dead in the first period. At one point, with about four minutes remaining in the period, they had just two shots on goal. They came alive late in the period, but they were not able to score.

Ovechkin lit the lamp with 6:35 remaining in the period, and that would be the only scoring in the first frame.

You have to give Sam Ersson some credit for his play in period one. Despite allowing a score on just six shots, the Flyers’ netminder made some pretty good saves to keep the Capitals’ score at just one.

The Wheels Fell Off

The Flyers at least made it a game in the first period; the second was a MUCH different story.

The Flyers’ wheels completely fell off. Usually, the team does not look defeated until the third period. However, that was not the case Thursday night.

A Brandon Duhaime (8) redirection goal less than two minutes into the second period completely deflated the Flyers. Philly had some jump early in the game. They were unable to score, but they at least looked like they were going to make it a game.

The Flyers looked like a completely different team, and not in a good way. They had a few good chances, but it did not change the outcome of the period.

Bobby Brink tried passing the puck to Travis Sanheim, but it was far behind Sanheim. He tried getting his stick on it, but Sanheim hit the deck in the process, leading to a three-on-one chance for Washington. What else would you expect, other than Washington cashing in.

Matthew Mangiapane (12) netted the score off an Anthony Beauvillier (8) feed. The Capitals would take the 3-0 lead into the second break.

Read More: Flyers 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: James Hagens (PhHN+)

Flyers End their Scoreless Streak, Make a Late-Game Push

It took until the third period of Thursday’s game, but the Flyers finally snapped their scoreless streak. After going 186 minutes and nine seconds without a goal, Ryan Poehling (6) finally ended the streak.

Philly had gone two straight games without scoring a goal and had played nine straight periods without a goal. Poehling’s tally cut the Capitals lead to two. John Carlson quickly responded. It looked as if the Caps’ lead was extended to three. However, John Tortorella challenged for a missed stoppage. The replay determined that there was a missed hand pass, and the Capitals touched the puck first–Carlson’s goal was waived off.

The game continued from there. The Flyers looked to come back to life a bit. Travis Konecny had a few good chances but could not get anything going.

The Flyers emptied the net with just over three minutes to play in the game.

Sean Couturier (11) would net the second Philadelphia goal of the period with 2:36 remaining in the period, giving them life in the game with time dwindling away.

Philly would fight until the final horn, but the Capitals would hang on for the 3-2 win.

What’s Next for the Flyers

The Flyers will head to Dallas to take on the Stars on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Read More: What are the Flyers Getting with Nikita Grebenkin?