Flyers Steal Game 5, 2-0 to Climb Back Into Series

Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images

The Philadelphia Flyers took another step back into the series on Friday night, beating the Washington Capitals 2-0 at Verizon Center. The Capitals lead in the series is now one game (3-2) with game 6 set for Sunday, 12:00 noon at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The Caps starting lines for Game 5:

Offensive lines:
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie
Burakovsky-Kuznetsov-Williams
Chimera-Richards-Johansson
Winnik-Beagle-Wilson

Defensive pairs:
Schmidt-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Orlov-Chorney

Brooks Orpik missed the game due to an upper body injury sustained in game 3. Michael Latta, Stan Galiev and Mike Weber were the game 5 goalie match-up, provided by @washcaps:

QUICK TAKES
The Capitals got off to a flying start, out shooting the Flyers 14-6 in the first period. T.J. Oshie went after Brayden Schenn immediately following the opening puck-drop, in retaliation for Schenn’s cheap shot on Kuznetsov in game 4. The Caps also killed a 4-minute double minor in the first period. The Flyers would get the games first goal on a shot by Ryan White that was deflected in off of Taylor Chorney’s skate. The Caps would gain control of the game following the Flyers goal, but could not put one past Neuvirth. The Caps lead in shots on goal 30-8 through two periods of play. The third period was very similar with the Capitals dominating play, shot attempts and shots on goal, but Neuvirth continued to stand tall. The Flyers would add a late empty net goal to seal the 2-0 victory. Final shot attempts were 82-27 Caps. Team stats for the game can be found here: The players stats for the game can be found here: Face-off stats for the game can be found here: Photos for the game can be found here:

T.J. Oshie went after Brayden Schenn immediately after the opening face-off in retaliation for Schenn’s cheap shot on Kuznetsov in Game 4. The two dropped the gloves for a spirited bout that set an early tone for the Caps and got Verizon Center buzzing.

Justin Williams was whistled for the game’s first penalty, a double-minor for high-sticking at 1:08, giving the Flyers a four-minute man-advantage, but the Capitals were able to completely squash the Flyers power play, drawing a standing ovation from the Verizon Center faithful. The Flyers Radko Gudas was called for cross-checking at 5:45, giving the Caps their first power play of the game. The Caps spent most of the man-advantage in the Flyers zone, but could not capitalize. The Capitals led in shots on goal 8-3 after eight minutes of play. The first period would end in a 0-0 tie with the Caps leading in shots on goal 14-6.

Marcus Johansson was called for boarding at 2:46 of the second period, giving the Flyers an early man-advantage in the middle frame. The Caps penalty-kill was strong for the first minute, then the Flyers would be called for holding, leading to 4-on-4 play for 65 seconds. The Caps would be unable to capitalize during 4-on-4 play nor the abbreviated 5-on-4 man advantage. Justin Williams was again called for high-sticking at 4:49. The Caps were once again very strong killing the penalty, but the Flyers would finally knock one home just as the penalty expired, giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead. Ryan White would get credited for the tally, which was deflected in off of Taylor Chorney’s skate at 7:52 of the middle frame. This was the Flyers first shot on goal for the period.

Washington would turn-up the offensive pressure following the Flyers goal, generating several quality chances, but the Flyers Neuvirth was strong. The period would end with the Flyers leading 1-0. The Capitals led in shots on goal 30-8. The Flyers would add an empty-net goal late to steal a 2-0 win.

The Capitals continued to dominate play in the third period, with a majority of play in the Flyers zone. The Capitals would go to the power play at 9:40 when the Flyers Ryan White was called for interference, but the Capitals would fritter away the man-advantage. The Flyers continued to be out-shot by a huge margin. The Flyers would add an ENG to seal the 2-0 victory. The Capitals out-shot the Flyers 44-11 for the game. Final shot attempts were 82-27 Caps.