Flyers thump Caps, 8-2, in home opener

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Flyers opened their home schedule Saturday night with a band.

Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier each struck twice for goals in an 8-2 thrashing of the Washington Capitals.

Defenseman Brandon Manning (#23) of the Philadelphia Flyers, Right Wing Devante Smith-Pelly (#25) of the Washington Capitals, Right Wing Tom Wilson (#43), tempers flair. Broadcaster Chris Therien almost takes a stick to the face.

“We know that we like to pass the puck around and make nice plays,” Couturier said. “But at the end of the day, we have to shoot the puck when we have the chance and tonight that’s what we did.”

Brian Elliott made 21 saves in picking up the win.

Washington got goals from Jakub Vrana and Nicklas Backstrom.

“I think we definitely made too many mistakes,” the Capitals’ John Carlson said. “… I think it started in the neutral zone for us. I think they did a good job against us and we kind of shot ourselves in the foot too many times.”

Scott Laughton also scored twice and Wayne Simmonds and Valterri Filppula added goals.

“Tonight, the fans, I haven’t heard that crowd that loud like that for a while. Great to hear,” Giroux said.

[WATCH: All Capitals vs. Flyers highlights]

Philipp Grubauer had 29 saves for the Caps in the loss.

“It doesn’t matter how you lose, but certainly the way we lost doesn’t make you feel good. I’m sure we’ll get some time to think about it a little bit and talk about it. Learn from it and get better,” Capitals’ John Carlson said after the thumping.

Center Valtteri Filppula (#51) of the Philadelphia Flyers

Goalie Brian Elliot (#37) of the Philadelphia Flyers scored on by Left Wing Nicklas Backstrom (#19) of the Washington Capitals

Center Scott Laughton (#21) of the Philadelphia Flyers, Defenseman Brandon Manning (#23),Center Sean Couturier (#14) celebrate Laughton’s shorthanded goal.