The Capitals gave up a 3-0 advantage but pull out a 5-4 shootout victory against the Philadelphia Flyers. With the win the Capitals clinch a birth in this season's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Caps built 3-0 lead on 9 shots before Philly replaced their struggling goaltender 1:22 into the second period. From that point on the Flyers took control of the game putting up 4 consecutive goals to give them a 1-goal lead with five minutes left in regulation. The Capitals looked down in out but a clutch shift from Jason Chimera, Mike Knuble, Scott Hannan, Dennis Wideman and Marcus Johansson led to Johansson one-timing a Mike Knuble pass into the net for a 4-4 tie score with 3:19 remaining in the third period. The game would go to overtime and ultimately the shootout. All 3 Washington shooters hit the mark with Alexander Semin converting the game deciding goal and Michal Neuvirth stopped 1 of 3 to give the team a 5-4 victory. The two teams split the season series with 2 wins apiece and all 4 games decided in overtime or the shootout. The Caps are off until this weekend when they wrap up their 6 game road trip with a two games north of the border.
Of Note:
For the second straight game Mike Knuble recorded 3 points. He had 1 goal and 2 assists and for the 8th consecutive season hit the 20 goal plateau.
Marcus Johansson scored the tying goal and, along with Jason Chimera, assisted on the Knuble goal in the first period.
Washington went 1 for 2 on the power play with Dennis Wideman scoring his first goal as a member of the Capitals. The Caps penalty killers did the job by not allowing a goal on 3 Philly power plays.
Michal Neuvirth stopped 29 of 33 shots for his 24th win of the season.
In his second game back from injury Nicklas Backstrom got back on the score sheet with a goal and an assist.
Brooks Laich and Scott Hannan each had 1 assist in the game.
In the shootout Matt Hendricks, Backstrom and Alexander Semin all beat Brian Boucher for a 3-2 win in the tie breaker.
The Caps are now 36-0-3 this season when they score 3 or more goals.
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