The Washington Capitals punched their ticket to the playoffs with a special 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.
With the score tied 1-1, Flyers coach John Tortorella went all out by pulling goaltender Samuel Ersson with more than three minutes remaining because a victory in regulation was essential to allow his club to to hope to reach the playoffs. However, the damage was done at this time for the Flyers since David Perron’s goal which sent the Red Wings into overtime in front of the Montreal Canadiens took away any chance for the Flyers to participate in the playoffs.
It was a goal from TJ Oshie into the empty net with three minutes remaining that ultimately made the difference. The Wings needed a Caps loss to advance to spring ball, but this goal sealed their fate.
“I got information about the Wings game immediately after their empty-net goal,” Flyers head coach John Tortorella said at a press briefing. I think both games arrived at roughly the same time. I had removed my goalkeeper and it was time to do it. I had no idea what was happening at that point in the Red Wings game and the next thing I knew they were going to overtime. ”
The result allowed the Capitals to clinch a spot and eliminate the Pittsburgh Penguins in improbable fashion.
Washington gets the very last spot among the teams drafted in the East for the playoffs. The Capitals will try to win their first Stanley Cup since 2018.
The Capitals also necessarily needed a victory to ensure their place in the spring dance.
This is the Capitals’ 15th appearance in the playoffs since Alex Ovechkin’s debut in 2005-2006. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins did better with 16 appearances during the same period.
Washington will face the Presidents’ Trophy winners New York Rangers in the first round starting this weekend.
A recent six-game losing streak nearly thwarted the Capitals’ chances, but they managed to stay in the race to sneak into the playoffs.
Oshie was also responsible for Washington’s first goal, which was scored by Alex Ovechkin late in the first period. It’s the 49th career goal for the Tsar against the Flyers. Sidney Crosby (55) and Mario Lemieux (51). are those who have the most.
It was Ovechkin’s 853rd career goal.
Goaltender Charlie Lindgren looked shaky at times against the Flyers, giving up a few big rebounds, but he made the saves, 27 total in his second start in 24 hours and his 48th this season, a career high.
“He was arguably our best player,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. He’s been fantastic all year. He earned his chance to play two nights in a row and he stood up once again. ”
Erik Johnson scored the only goal for the Flyers.
Portrait of the first round in the East
With the last ticket awarded to the Capitals and following the evening’s results, we now know the first round clashes in the East.
The recipients of the Presidents’ Trophy, the New York Rangers, will face the Caps. Finishing in 1st place in the Atlantic Division, the Panthers will be involved in a Florida duel with their Tampa rival, the Lightning.
The Bruins will once again find the Toronto Maple Leafs on their playoff road and Patrick Roy’s troop, the New York Islanders, will have the task of facing the Carolina Hurricanes.
