The Washington Capitals (3-1-0) finish their two-game road Metro division road swing with a battle against the Philadelphia Flyers (1-3-1) tonight at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After an exciting 6-5 overtime win over the division-leading New Jersey Devils, Washington will look to extend their three-game winning streak against a Philadelphia club still searching for sustained success in 2024. Washington and Philadelphia will complete their two-game set tomorrow night at Capital One Arena back at home in Washington, D.C.
NHL’s “Frozen Frenzy” begins in Philly
The Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers have had identically opposite starts to the season. Let me explain. Washington dropped their first game to New Jersey before three straight wins over Vegas, Dallas, and New Jersey. On the other side, Philadelphia won an overtime game in Vancouver to open the season before four straight L’s in the standings.
Will the trend continue with the Washington Capitals finding a win in Philly, or will Matvei Michkov’s Flyers squad best Alex Ovechkin in the first meeting between highly-regarded Russian hockey players? Tonight’s contest will be the first game to begin in the “Frozen Frenzy” where all 32 NHL teams will be playing on the same day. A new game will begin every 15 minutes between 6 pm and 11 pm EST.
Washington Capitals offense humming
Following this weekend’s overtime victory, the Washington Capitals have pushed their goal-per-game total up to an even 4/gpg with 16 goals over opening for games to start the season. The Capitals are one of only four teams to average at least 4 goals per game alongside the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, and Calgary Flames.
Tom Wilson has led the charge with 5 goals on the year contributing lamplighters in every contest of the season so far. Meanwhile, Dylan Strome has been excellent with 3 goals and 4 assists to lead the team with 7 points. Alex Ovechkin has 1 goal and 4 assists for 4 points. He will be seeking his 50th career goal against Philadelphia in his 75th career contest against the Flyers.
Philadelphia’s defense has been porous in the early campaign allowing 4.20 goals per game in their first five contests. That mark leaves them 29th in the league ahead of Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Colorado. The Washington Capitals goaltending hasn’t been elite allowing 3.50 goals-per-game which leaves them 23rd in the NHL.
Capitals vs. Flyers Goalie Matchup
The Washington Capitals goalie duo of Charlie Lindgren and Logan Thompson have split duties thus far this season. Lindgren is 1-1 with a 3.06 goals-against-average and an 89% save percentage. Thompson is 2-0 with a 3.21 GAA and an 87% puck stop rate.
In Philadelphia, Sam Ersson has been solid in starting duties with a 1-1-1 record in 4 games played. Ersson has stopped 89% of the puck sent his way while allowing almost 3 goals per game (2.99). Ivan Fedotov, a Russian import goaltender from the KHL, is still getting accustomed to playing hockey in North America and has struggled in the early season. Fedotov is 0-2 with a 6.09 goals-against average and has stopped 81% of the shots he has faced.
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