2016 NHL Playoffs Round 1: Flyers get Shutout in Game One versus the Washington Capitals
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
It's been a while since Philadelphia fans had a playoff game to look forward to and tonight was the first one in two years as the Flyers took on the President Trophy winners (Most points in the entire NHL) the Washington Capitals in game one of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs, First round.
The last playoff game for a Philly team was game seven of the 2014 NHL playoffs first round against the New York Rangers. They loss 2-1 on April (4/30/14) night in Madison Square Garden. It was a heartbroken loss for sure and now two year later the Flyers are back in the playoffs.
The Flyers clinched last Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It wasn't an easy road to get to the playoffs as they needed help too. It helped that the Boston Bruins loss right before the Flyers played the Penguins and all they needed to do was win and they were in. The Flyers won 3-1 in from of a sell out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center.
The first period, was a scoreless the Flyers had ever chance to take the lead as they had several power plays (0/3) in the first four minutes of the game. They outshout the Caps 11-8.
The second period, the Flyers were out-shout 14-4. The Caps had three power plays and scored on one of them to take a 1-0 lead. John Carson scored the goal at 16:21. The Flyers loss a key player to injury as Sean Couturier got hit hard by Alexander Ovechkin and left with what look like at the time a shoulder injury. Couturier is their best defensive Center and it will be tough without him.
The third period, was pretty much the same the Flyers only had four shots again on goal and the Caps nine. The Caps had three more power plays (0/3) but failed to score. Jay Beagle scored the second goal at 16:36 and that pretty much sealed the deal for the Caps.
The Capitals take 1-0 series lead heading into game two on Saturday night live from the Nation's Capital.
The Flyers only having 8 shots after the first period isn't good and to go 0 for 4 on the power play doesn't help either. The Capitals were just the better team tonight and have been all season. That's why they were not only favorites in this series but one of the favorites to win the Cup.
After the game the Flyers recived bad news on Sean Courturier as he is done for the series reported by CSN Flyers' reporter, Tim Panaccio.
Couturier has an A/C sprain to left shoulder. Done for series
— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) April 15, 2016
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