Harry Lichtman
The Washington Capitals (38-28-9) returned home and managed to keep their playoff hopes alive. They put up six goals on the rival Philadelphia Flyers (37-25-12) for a 6-4 victory on Tuesday.
It was a special night for Tom Wilson, who was playing in his 900th career NHL game. The alternate captain contributed with two goals, including a late empty-netter.
“I think the great thing about our group is that everybody has been chipping in,” said Wilson.
Alex Ovechkin also made history as he reached 20 30-goal seasons in his career. The 40-year-old also finished the night with a pair of tallies.
“Obviously, it’s a huge game,” said Ovechkin. “You could see everybody was on the same page. Everybody set the tone right away.
Up 2-0 in the second period, Philadelphia managed to tie it back up at 2-2. However, the Capitals responded with back-to-back power-play goals from Jakob Chychrun and Ryan Leoanard.
Pierre-Luc Dubois also had a big night as he finished with three assists. He even helped out on both power-play goals.
Next up, the Capitals take a quick one-game road trip to Newark as they visit New Jersey on Thursday night.
Capitals Analysis
The Capitals’ leaders were able to set the tone early on, as Ovechkin and Wilson showcased their physicality. Then, they both followed up with offense.
First, Wilson put the Capitals on the board first as he fired away from the slot. The 31-year-old recorded his 26th goal of the season as he ended an individual five-game drought.
Minutes later, Ovechkin got to the front and buried a feed from Matt Roy to make it 2-0. That marked his 30th goal of the season, as the 40-year-old now has 20 30-goal seasons in his 21-year career. The only season where Ovechkin didn’t record 30 goals was the COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign.
Early in the second, Philadelphia then swung the momentum in the favor. Travis Sandheim and Carl Grundstrom each recorded back-to-back goals within 4:36 to tie it at 2-2.
However, the Capitals quickly responded on the power play, as Chychrun fired a one-timer past Dan Vladar. The blueliner happened to score on his 28th birthday, as his 24 goals lead all NHL defensemen this season.
Then, the Capitals went on the man advantage again, as Leonard netted his 16th tally of the season. Dubois assisted on both power-play goals with Washington leading 4-2.
In the third, Philadelphia kept cutting the deficit to one with goals from Christian Dvorak and Denver Barkey. However, Ovechkin responded by burying a one-timer for his second tally of the night and 31st of the year.
Logan Thompson also stepped up towards the end as he finished the game with 20 saves on 24 shots. Up 5-4 late, Wilson buried a one-timer to finish a special night with two tallies.
Capitals Report Card
Team: A-
The Capitals were able to get the job done for their third straight win, despite the Flyers attempting to rally. Their offense and physicality were present throughout the night.
Alex Ovechkin: A+
Ovechkin recorded two goals to reach 31 on the season. The 40-year-old now has five in his last three games, and seven in the last seven overall.
Tom Wilson: A+
Playing in his 900th career game, Wilson stepped up with two tallies of his own. The 31-year-old now has 26, the second-most on the team.
Pierre-Luc Dubois: A
Dubois stepped up with three assists on the night. The 27-year-old helped out on both power-play goals, along with Wilson’s empty-netter.
Capitals Power Play: A
The man advantage unit went 2-for-3 on the night with goals from Chychrun and Leonard. The Capitals now have power-play goals in three straight games and four of their last five overall.
