The Capitals got what they wanted in Philly. Two points and the feeling of a win. The Caps jumped out to a 3-0 lead. A power play goal from Mike Green and strikes from Chris Clark and Donald Brashear. The Flyers made a game of it with 3 straight goals and the affair went to overtime. Then the birthday boy, Nicklas Backstrom, who turned 20 today, got the greatest present of the day. Alex Ovechkin took the puck down the right wing drawing two defenders who knocked the puck free. It floated to the high slot where Backstrom took the puck and out waited Philly goaltender Martin Biron and calmly shot the puck over the sprawled goalie to end the game. The goal capped a 3-point game for the rookie and ended the misery of the 5-game losing streak that had cost a coach his job. The Caps looked much more lively than they had in recent games and even when the Flyers came back they continued to fight until they finally finished the game. The team will try and continue that momentum tomorrow as they face the Carolina Hurricanes at home.Of Note:
- Bruce Boudreau recorded his first victory as an NHL head coach after taking over for Glen Hanlon yesterday.
- Matt Pettinger played in his 300th career NHL game. He recorded 5 shots on goal.
- Tom Poti had 2 assists giving him 200 for his career.
- Chris Clark's goal was his 100th point as a Capital. That ranks him 56th on the Caps All-Time Points list. He also had 4 penalties for 19 minutes topping the 200 minute mark in penalties as a Cap.
- Backstrom's goal was the second of his career. It is also the game winner of his career. We need this guy to score more goals!
- Ovechkin was credited with an assist on the Backstrom goal giving him points in 7 consecutive games.
- The Caps out shot Philly 35-25 and won the face-off battle 34-29.
- The special teams were 1-3 on the power play and 6-7 on the penalty kill, including 1:45 of a 5-3 Philly advantage.
Game Summary
Super Stats
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