PHILADELPHIA, Pa- Snapping a six game losing streak Tuesday night in a 2-1 shootout win against the Ottawa Senators, the Philadelphia Flyers welcomed the Washington Capitals to the Wells Fargo Center for the first time this season.
After suffering a disclosed injury in practice on Wednesday, Steve Mason underwent a MRI leaving fans unsure of the goaltenders status against the Capitals.
Leading the team out for warmups prior to puck drop, Mason would get the nod in between the pipes with Washington’s Braden Holtby in the opposite net.
It has been no secret that Flyers head coach Craig Berube has been making changes in his line up, Thursday would be no different. Returning to the lineup was defenseman Luke Schenn, leaving Andrew MacDonald to look on. Also scratched from the lineup was Zac Rinaldo.
Guilty of tripping early in the first period, Flyers Michael Del Zotto was sent to the penalty box giving the Capitals a chance on the power play.
Netting in his 21st goal of the season, Capitals’ Captain Alex Ovechkin gave Washington the lead. With pushing and shoving, the game continued on.
Sliding the puck across the ice, Matt Read sent the puck to Sean Couturier. Sending the puck to the back of the net, Couturier tied the game.
Taking a hit into the boards, Nicklas Grossmann did not move on the ice. Receiving medical attention from the trainers, the defenseman exited the game with two minutes remaining in the period.
Despite Grossmann’s exit, the Capitals were sent on the man-advantage, due to the delay of the game by the injured defenseman. Unhappy with the call, fans of the Wells Fargo Center let the referees know it.
The Capitals would begin the second period with 0:19 remaining on the power play.
At the end of the first period, the game remained tied at 1.
Announced during the intermission, Grossmann would not return to the game due to an upper-body injury.
Back on the ice for another 20 minutes of hockey, the Capitals could not increase the lead with the remainder power play time.
Getting a power play of their own, Philadelphia hoped to break the tie.
Taking the shot on Holtby, Simmonds could not get the puck passed his pads. Attempting the rebound shot, Brayden Schenn pushed the puck through Holtby’s pads. Turning to Toronto to see if the goal would stand, no goal was waived off.
With the clock clicking down to zero, Brooks Orpik was sent to the penalty box for tripping. Only 8 seconds left in the period, Philadelphia would begin the third period with 1:53 on the man-advantage remaining.
Coming out for the third period, the Flyers were unable to produce on the power play opportunity.
Netting his 4th goal of the season, Karl Alzner gave the Capitals 2-1 lead. Sending the goal under review for approximately 5-7 minutes due to a possible high stick, good goal stood.
Tying the game once again, R.J. Umberger sent the puck to the back on the net.
With 60 minutes in the book, overtime was needed in the City of Brotherly Love to break the 2-2 tie.
Sent to the box just over a minute in overtime, Matt Niskanen looked on for Washington; 4 on 3 hockey began.
Shooting the puck on Holtby, Jakub Voracek lit the lamp giving the Flyers the winning goal.
The Philadelphia Flyers took the 3-2 overtime win over the Washington Capitals.
The Flyers and Capitals will meet three more times before the end of the season. The next meeting between the clubs is just under a week away in Washington D.C.
Following his game winning goal Voracek said, “We played good and we skated and when we skate, we play well,” said the overtime hero. “It’s what we did for 60 minutes and why we won.”
Happy with his club’s efforts Berube stated, “Getting down early on the power play, I like the mental state of the team right now because it’s important to be positive and stick with him,” he said. “This time of year you need to win close hockey games. It’s a grind out there. These teams are fighting for a spot.”
Thursday night’s game marked half way through the season for the Flyers.
Following Thursday night’s action, the Flyers organization did not release information regarding Grossmann’s condition.
When asked about the possible loss of Grossmann, Mason said, “For a goaltender, he is huge,” he explained. “He blocks shots as well as anybody on the team as well as being a consistent player.
Flyers General Manger Ron Hextall said an announcement regarding the injury would be made on Friday.
Continuing the four game home stand on Saturday afternoon, the Flyers welcome Zdeno Chara and the Boston Bruins for the second time this season.
Puck drop between the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins is set for 1 p.m.
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