Late Third-Period Surge Lifts Capitals Past Slumping Flyers
The Washington Capitals struck when it mattered most, scoring twice late in the third period to put away the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 and continue their push toward the playoffs.
For much of the night inside Capital One Arena, this game felt tight, tense and just a little rusty. Both teams were coming off the Olympic break and you could see it early. The pace wasn’t perfect, the timing was off and chances were limited. But as the third period unfolded, the Capitals found another gear.
Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk delivered the turning point. With under six minutes to play and the game tied at one, he jumped into the rush and finished a crisp passing sequence to snap a 38-game goal drought. It was a timely strike and it completely shifted the momentum. Moments later, as the Flyers pushed with an extra attacker, Aliaksei Protas sealed it with an empty-net goal during a six-on-four situation.
Logan Thompson was steady in net for Washington, stopping 23 shots, including a crucial pad save earlier in the third that kept the game from slipping away. That moment loomed large. Instead of trailing, the Capitals stayed composed and they capitalized.
Rasmus Sandin also ended a long dry spell, opening the scoring in the second period with his first goal in 40 games. It’s a reminder that Washington’s blue line has quietly become a major contributor this season. The Capitals now have one of the highest goal totals from defensemen in the league and that depth could be critical down the stretch.
On the other side, the Philadelphia Flyers continue to search for answers. Noah Cates briefly tied the game early in the third, snapping his own goal drought, but the Flyers have now dropped six of their last seven. Offense has been inconsistent and with the playoff race tightening, every missed opportunity carries more weight.
For the Capitals, this win marks five victories in their last six games. They’re gaining momentum at exactly the right time. The standings remain crowded and every point matters. With key players missing due to illness and injury, Washington showed resilience. That’s the kind of response teams need in the final stretch of a long season.
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The playoff race is heating up and nights like this can define it. Stay with us for continuing coverage of every twist and turn across the NHL as the battle for postseason spots intensifies.
Capitals Strike Late to Stun Flyers as Playoff Race Heats Up
The Washington Capitals delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice late in the third period to put away the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1 and tighten the pressure in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
This was not a flawless performance. In fact, both teams looked like they were shaking off rust after the Olympic break. But in tight games like this, it often comes down to one moment, one save, or one unexpected hero. And that is exactly what unfolded inside Capital One Arena.
Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, who had gone 38 games without finding the net, jumped into the rush midway through the third period and buried the go-ahead goal. It was a confident finish from a player not known for scoring and it could not have come at a better time. Just minutes earlier, the Flyers had tied the game early in the third through Noah Cates, snapping his own long goal drought. The momentum was shifting and Washington needed a response.
They got it.
Goaltender Logan Thompson, celebrating his 29th birthday, made 23 saves, but one stop in particular changed everything. With the score tied, he denied a point-blank chance that could have put Philadelphia ahead. Instead of trailing, Washington stayed composed and that composure paid off.
Rasmus Sandin had opened the scoring earlier in the second period, ending his own lengthy drought and Aliaksei Protas sealed the win with an empty-net goal during a late Flyers push. Protas continues to be a quiet force for this Capitals team, reaching the 20-goal mark again this season.
For Washington, this marks five wins in their last six games. They are clawing their way back into the playoff conversation and every point now feels critical. For Philadelphia, it is a different story. Six losses in their last seven games have left them slipping further from postseason position. The Flyers are creating chances, but finishing and late-game execution remain serious concerns.
And that is why this game matters. With just weeks left in the regular season, the margin for error is razor thin. One defensive lapse, one missed assignment, one brilliant save, it all shifts the standings.
The Capitals proved they can grind out results even when they are not at their best. The Flyers are still searching for consistency. The race is tightening, the stakes are rising and every night in the NHL now carries playoff intensity.
Stay with us for continuing coverage as the postseason picture becomes clearer and the battle for those final spots grows even more dramatic.
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