Sometimes a team plays best when their back is against the wall.
NHL playoff scores 2016: Focus shifts to Capitals to halt a Flyers series comeback
A win on Wednesday gave the Flyers some momentum, now it’s up to the Capitals to put an end to it.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Like the Ducks on Tuesday facing down a potential 3-0 hole on the road in Nashville, the Flyers buckled down and played the type of hockey many were expecting them to play this entire series against the Capitals. Whether it was the absence of pressure to honor their late owner -- and a bracelet controversy -- or the Flyers finally adjusting to the Capitals lethal power play, Philadelphia figured it out in the nick of time. For at least one game anyway.
Now, the onus is on the Capitals to finish the Flyers swiftly before any real thought of a comeback starts to snowball. Snuff out the hope, if you will. Washington had the look of a team thinking they could play with their food after the Flyers showed their belly in the 6-1 Game 3 loss. Instead, a quick strike from birthday boy Shayne Gostisbehere put life into Philadelphia fans and by the time the Capitals found net in the third period, their counter attacks came too little too late.
Before Capitals fans exclaim that the sky is falling, this game will most likely serve as a wake-up call for Washington not to take their foot off the gas against a scrappy opponent. The Flyers have nothing to lose, meanwhile the Capitals have built their team just for this moment with players like Mr. Game 7, Justin Williams.
Of course, that won't stop fans from worrying. They know just how much trouble their team has had in finishing playoff series. It's why Williams and Olympic hero T.J. Oshie were put on this team, to help the Capitals finally get over the hump. They have the chance to do just that at home in front of a sell-out crowd on Friday. But now, it's time to see what these new look Capitals are made of under some pressure.
Scores
* * *
* * *
3 things we learned
1. We avoided the offside coaches challenge, but gained two goaltender interference challenges!
The offside coaches challenges have stolen the show this postseason, but their rarer cousin -- the goaltender interference challenge -- made an appearance in Brooklyn on Wednesday. Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau crashed into Islanders netminder Thomas Greiss on a breakaway, which caused the puck and the netminder to slide into the goal. What was called a no-goal on the ice went through an official review before Florida head coach Gerard Gallant wanted a second look.
It was a head-scratching challenge, as not only did there seem to be nothing glaring with the play, the war room in Toronto already reviewed it moments before. Thankfully, the wasted time out didn’t burn Gallant in the Panthers 2-1 victory.
The Sharks also called upon a goaltender interference call on the Kings’ lone goal in the game, but the challenge was unsuccessful after a review.
2. Power plays won the night
Both the Stars and the Sharks utilized key power plays to turn their games. Dallas went a hot 2-for-2 on their power play opportunities in their 3-2 victory in Minnesota. Meanwhile, out west, the Sharks scored all three of their goals on the man advantage. Between this and the Capitals lethal special teams, opponents should be wary of committing any penalties for the rest of the postseason.
3. Michal Neuvirth won his first playoff game in five years
As the Flyers backup, Neuvirth wasn't likely going to see time as the starter for Philadelphia. With head coach giving normal starter Steve Mason some rest after a rough couple of games, Neuvirth was a big reason for Philadelphia's 2-1 victory over the Capitals. Not only did he stop 31 shots, he also won his first playoff game since playing with said Capitals in their 2011 postseason run.
Michal Neuvirth makes the save right on the doorstep! #FlyersTalk https://t.co/2EjTxf2XTB
— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNPhilly) April 21, 2016
Impact Moment
In a scary moment in Philadelphia, Flyers player Scott Laughton was upended and fell awkwardly into the boards behind the net. Laughton was down without movement on the ice for several minutes until trainers could stretcher him with a neck brace and cart him off the ice.
Laughton tested negative at the hospital and stayed the night, according to the Flyers.
Stat of the Night
How's that Norris Trophy bid going Drew Doughty?
So.....Doughty has now been on the ice for 6 of the 9 goals the Sharks have scored in this series.....so.......just saying.
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) April 21, 2016
Oh ...
See More:
