By: Haley Taylor Simon

The Flyers hosted the Capitals in South Philadelphia in this back to back series as Philadelphia heads to Washington on Saturday. After coming off a 4-0 shutout against Buffalo, Monday, the momentum of that win carried on to tonights victory. With roughly seven minutes of time gone by in the first period; Alexander Ovechkin was sent to the penalty box for tripping Owen Tippett. The Flyers who notoriously struggled on the power play this year responded immediately as Scott Laughton got the Flyers’ first goal of the night.

Without much time left late in the first period the Capitals get an equalizing goal, but Travis Konecny has other plans and gives the Flyers a 2-1 lead heading into the second period. Unlike the first, the second period was a choppy battle between both teams as the Flyers had more puck dominance they couldn’t get one behind the net. It was some of the best hockey the Flyers have played in a while as they were able to hold onto their lead with outstanding defensive play. Carter Hart is back in net and the saves he’s made this game have been evident how crucial he is and the defense is responding in efforts to protect Hart from having to put in all the work.

Evidently, the battle between these two teams ignited in the third period of play. The lead increased to 3-1 as Tippett was able to quickly get the puck behind Darcy Kuemper. With the Flyers going on a power play, Koencny goes on a 2 on 1 with Laughton by his side and increases the lead 4-1. In typical Flyers fashion a 3 goal lead isn’t enough as the Capitals got two back to back goals cutting the lead 4-3.

Finally, the Flyers’ first hat trick of the season scored by the forward himself, Konecny, giving the Flyers a 5-3 win over the Capitals.

After them game when talking to Konecny he explains this is all a team effort. Laughton told me, “good game by him, anytime you can get a hat trick it’s awesome. I’m happy for him..”  Tortorella noted in his post game presser that when the team gets loud they play well. He also took away the iPads during the game so the guys can only focus on what’s in front of them and that showed.

Overall, a good team win for Philadelphia as they get set to head to Washington to take care of the Capitals on Saturday.

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