- Philadelphia Flyers: 15-21-6 (36 pts)
- Washington Capitals: 25-12-4 (54 pts)
Let’s try this again.
The Flyers are right back at it as they travel to the nations capital to take on the Washington Capitals at 7:30 on NBCSN. This is the first of four meetings between the two metropolitan rivals. The Capitals are third place in the Eastern Conference while the Flyers are second to last. The Stanley Cup hangover seems to not be affecting the Capitals as they are picking up where they left off from last season. The Flyers losing streak reached seven last night in their pitiful performance last night against St. Louis. Washington has lost three out of their last four games. Will the losing streak continue or will we finally see a win out of the Flyers?
Starting Goalies:
- Mike McKenna: It has been an interesting week for McKenna. After being traded from Ottawa to Vancouver, to being placed on waivers by the Canucks, then finally being picked up by the Flyers off waivers. In McKenna’s ten appearances this season, he is 1-4-0 with a 3.96 GAA and a .897 SV%. He looks to make his first start in a Flyers uniform, this will be interesting.
- Phoenix Copley: Copley has been great for the Capitals this season, posting a 9-2-2 record with a 2.55 GAA and a .915 SV %. Most of his starts have come on the road, but he is getting his chance to shine at Capital One Arena.
Players to Watch:
- Claude Giroux: The captain has been the only bright spot for the Flyers this season, besides Carter Hart. With 46 points on the season, he is expected to reach the 90 point mark. While in his prime, fans still underrate him and blame him for the Flyers woes. He does not deserve the hate.
- Alex Ovechkin: Coming off his first Stanley Cup, Ovechkin has lit up the league with 30 goals. He is on pace for at least 55 goals on the season and could reach 60.
Keys to the Game:
- Effort: It is cliche to say this, but last night there was no effort. Come out strong tonight and show that you want to win.
- Pressure: Last night the puck was kept in our zone for majority of the game. Let’s change that and keep a consistent forecheck in the Caps zone.
- Penalty Kill: The Caps PP is 15th in the league, and they can be deadly with the combination of Backstrom and Ovechkin. Take away lanes and block shots, and pressure the player with the puck.
By: Amedeo Grassia (@bud0522)
Sources: NHL.com
Dailyfaceoff.com
japersrink.com
brotherlypuck.com 