My Thoughts:
*The 1st and 2nd periods the Caps had little urgency, and it was very frustrating to watch knowing that the Caps are the better team but were just not playing up to their game. Now in the 3rd period they did but it was too little too late.
*Braden Holtby looked fine, both goals by the Flyers were not his fault he was screened on shots from the defense. As Shane Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald scored for the Flyers.
*Early in the 3rd period the Caps started to take the momentum as T.J Oshie scored his first goal of the playoffs from Matt Niskanen and Karl Alzner to cut the lead to 2-1.
*The Caps were able to pressure Michael Neuvirth the rest of the way but were unable to tie the game and the Flyers escaped with a win to send us to a Game 5.
*Special teams played a factor but this time the Flyers won that battle with a power play goal, while the Caps didn't score on the 1 power play they did have. I expect the rest of the series to be played mostly 5 on 5.
*A scary moment last night as Flyer forward Scott Laughton lost an edge and slammed back first into the boards. They would have to cart him off the ice, and take him to a near by hospital. My prayers go out to him at this time and hope for a speedy recovery as you never want to see someone get injured.
*The Caps didn't play terrible but they just didn't have the urgency they had in the previous three games of the series. When they did ramp up the the intensity, they outplayed the Flyers and kept the puck in their zone the entire 3rd period. The Caps need to get back to that type of game and they will be fine.
*Overall this is the first time the Caps have faced any type of adversity, however with a 3-1 series lead things are still looking good as they will head back to the Verizon Center with a chance to close out the series. I think some of last night was due to the goalie change by the Flyers, I expect a better effort from the Caps on Friday.
What's Next: Game 5 Friday April 22nd vs. Philadelphia 7:00 p.m on CSN
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