Game 1 Recap: Caps 2 Flyers 0 (WSH leads series 1-0)

 The Caps and Flyers played an emotionally charged game on Thursday night to open their best of seven 1st Round series. The Caps didn't disappoint as they played a solid game for 60 minutes and took the lead in the series.

My Thoughts:

*First period the Caps took too many penalties as the Flyers had 3 power plays. However, to the Caps credit they were able to kill off all them. The Flyers outshot the Caps 11-8 in the period but that was because of the power plays, and the Caps were kind of feeling things out.

*In the second period the Caps started to take over as they outshot the Flyers 14-4, and with a power play of their own John Carlson put the Caps up 1-0 on a shot that changed direction and beat Steven Mason. Assists went to Marcus Johansson and Nick Backstrom.

*The third had a couple of big moments, first the Caps had a 4 minute power play, and unlike the previous power plays they didn't get any chances. So, the score remained 1-0.

*Even bigger as Tom Wilson hit Andrew McDonald, he was going to get called for a penalty but Wayne Simmonds could resist as he fought Wilson. Both were sent to the lockerrom for the rest of the night. Which was a huge loss for the Flyers losing their leading goal scorer.

*The Caps would put the game away when Marcus Johansson would strip the puck in the neutral zone and feed Jay Beagle who beat Steve Mason high to make it 2-0. From there the Flyers could not generate enough offense to make it a game late.

*Another big development is the Flyers will be without Sean Couturier for the remained of the series after an Alex Ovechkin hit ended Couturier's night. That is a blow to the Flyers, as he is a good two way player for them.

*Brayden Schenn is going to get under everyones skin, last night he repeatedly left his feet when finishing his checks. Personally that was ok because he is not a big guy anyway, but his late hit on Karl Alzner when the game was already over was cheap.

*The Caps had full commitment last night as they blocked a ton of shots, and when the puck found its way to Braden Holtby he was a rock in net earning the shutout.

*Overall the effort was vert good for the Caps, I was very pleased with the intensity and the commitment defensively to help Braden Holtby. Sitting at home I felt the Caps were in control all game, but the Flyers gave a great effort too but it was not enough last night. Should be a fun series, but the Caps have the advantage.



What's Next: Game 2 Saturday April 16th vs. Flyers 7:00 p.m on CSN