Capitals Vs. Flyers: Washington Clinches Playoff Berth, But Philly Earns Point After Erasing 3-0 Deficit

PHILADELPHIA -- The Washington Capitals are headed to the playoffs.

Alex Semin scored in the final round of the shootout to life his club to victory and two points over the first place Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t an easy one for them.

Alright, so I make no bones about it: I’m a Philadelphia Flyers fan. I have my bias and I try my hardest not to let it impact my analysis of Flyers games (and the NHL on the whole), and I think that for the most part, I’m pretty good at that objective.

Excuse me for a moment, though, if you’re a Capitals fan or if you’re rooting for the Capitals on this lovely Tuesday night, because that goal scored in the final minute of the second period was a thing of beauty. I think most objective observers would have to agree, too.

Sean O’Donnell is 37 years old, and recently, the Philadelphia Flyers defenseman has certainly been playing like it.

With the Washington Capitals ramping up the energy late in the first period and already holding a 1-0 lead, O’Donnell fell down during a puck battle in the corner to the left of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. As he found his way to his feet, he realized he was out of position to defend a streaking Mike Knuble.

On Tuesday night, as the Caps enter Philadelphia to take on the first-place Flyers, they’ll have their sights set on that top spot in the conference. Technically speaking, they can’t pass the Flyers in the standings tonight since the Flyers have two games in hand over them, but they can pull even in points.

Considering Philly plays Pittsburgh and Boston this week, it’s a hell of a step the Caps can take tonight. Nevermind the fact that they clinch a playoff spot with a victory.