Caps (9-4-0, 18 points) vs. Flyers (9-4-1, 19 points)
What » Game #14
Where » Verizon Center
When » 5 p.m.
TV » CSN HD
Radio » WFED-1500 AM
A nice rivalry game this Sunday afternoon as the Caps host the Flyers – a rare 5 p.m. start time on this bye week for the Redskins. It means little right now, of course – but the winner will be alone in first place in the Eastern Conference.
I wrote this on Friday and it remains a possibility – Washington coach Bruce Boudreau would not rule out starting rookie goalie Braden Holtby today. He took over in the third period for Michal Neuvirth during Friday’s 5-3 win over Boston. Not sure playing Holtby tonight was Boudreau’s original plan. Philadelphia isn’t exactly the best team to trot out a kid for his first NHL start. Then again – it’s November and Neuvirth’s workload had been heavy early this season and he’s shown slight signs of tiring lately. Will update during warm-ups.
Both teams are hot. The Caps have won three in a row. Philadelphia hung on for a 2-1 victory over the Islanders last night and has won a league-best six in a row. Washington’s power play (18.4%) ranks 12th in the NHL while the Flyers (18.5%) are 11th. Philadelphia has the seventh-best penalty kill (87.3%) with the Caps dropping to 10th after allowing four goals on their last seven PK chances (86.2%).
Rookie center Marcus Johansson was sent to AHL Hershey yesterday to get some games in as he tries to recover from a hip injury. Sounds like he’ll be there for at least two games – though with the Caps’ veteran centers all playing well recently Johansson will have to fight his way back into the lineup.
The Flyers seek to turn the tables on Washington this season. The Caps lost the first game in overtime in Philadelphia last October – blowing a late lead in the process – but won the final three meetings.
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