Friday, April 18, 2008

Double OT loss puts Capitals on the brink of elimination


There’s nothing worse in hockey than to survive one overtime, only to lose in the next period. Thursday night, or more likely Friday morning the Washington Capitals had that feeling of emptiness in their stomachs as the Philadelphia Flyers survived a wild night in Philadelphia.

The Flyers scored their fourth goal of the game in the fifth period of play, as Mike Knuble scored his second goal of the night and perhaps the biggest goal of the series, giving the Flyers a 4-3 victory and a stranglehold on the series with 3 games to one lead with game five to come on Saturday.

For the Capitals Thursday night could be the momentum shift that brings to an end their much heralded return to the NHL playoffs. Leading the Flyers heading into the latter stages of the third, the leading goal scorer in the NHL Alexander Ovechkin missed on a key moment to provide the Caps with an insurance marker and a chance to tie the series up heading back to Washington.

Ovechkin however missed, leaving the Flyers to capitalize a few minutes later on a power play opportunity to tie the game up, setting the scene for two periods of overtime drama.

It’s a win that will provide Philly with more of the confidence that has slowly been building as the series progressed.

With the Caps on the edge of elimination, Saturday afternoon may bring to an end the excitement and enthusiasm that the young Capitals have shown as they gained their entry into the playoffs.

Cinderella’s skate is almost over it would seem, the memory of a game four opportunity lost one of the many things that may haunt them in the off season.

Globe and Mail-- Flyers one win away
Washington Times-- Frustrating finish
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Flyers, Caps play an epic drama
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Better Late Than Never
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NHL.com-- Stats Pack

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