2016 NHL Playoffs Round 1; Game Five: Michael Neuvirth Saves the Flyers Season!
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday night, the Flyers won a close game to send it to a game five. The Flyers made several changers including a goalie change. Michael Neuvirth started game four replacing Steve Mason who started the first three games of the series, he gave up six goals in game three and 12 in total. The Flyers won game four 2-1 as Neuvirth made 31 saves on 32 shots.
Tonight in game five back in DC, the Flyers faced another "must win" game or the season would be over. The first period ended in a scoreless tie. The Caps had 14 shots to the Flyers 6; both teams had multiple power plays. The Flyers were 0 for 3 and the Caps were 0 for 2.
In the second period, the Flyers scored on a Ryan White goal at 7:52 which was their first shot of the entire period. They got out-shout 16 to 2. Neuvy looked unstoppable and the Caps just couldn't get the puck passed him.
The third period, was about keeping the lead for the Flyers and that's what they did. They played solid defense in front of Neuvy and they didn't make stupid penalties. Each team had one power play and weren't able to score. The Flyers were out-shout again this time 14-3. Chris VandeVelde added an empty net goal with 31 second left to seal the game and the Flyers keep their season alive to send the series back to Philly on Sunday at high noon looking to tie the series at three.
Shots: Flyers 11 Capitals 44
Final thoughts are WOW just WOW! What a difference four days make. On Monday night, the Flyers were absolutely embarrassed at home in game three losing 6-1 and were down three games to none in the series. It looked as if the season was over as the Caps just looked unstoppable after game three. The Flyers made several changers as I said before and it looked like it really sparked this team and gave them new life. Neuvirth saved the season for the Flyers and they're gonna need another great performance from him on Sunday. It was a great team win!
The fans will be up and ready at 12 noon on Sunday and the Caps do not want this series to go to a game seven even through it's at home. The Caps are not very good in a game seven as they are 3-10 overall including losing last year to the New York Rangers at home. They're 2-7 at home overall and 1-4 since 2008. So if the Flyers can somehow win on Sunday and force a game seven anything can happen. The Flyers and Caps played in a game seven back in 2008 where the Flyers won on a overtime game-winner by Joffrey Lupul. GO FLYERS!
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