The Flyers badly needed a spark - and Tuesday night in D.C., they got it from a few unlikely sources.
Jamie Drysdale, who hadn’t lit the lamp in 20 straight games, finally found the back of the net - and did it in a big way. His power-play goal midway through the third period broke a 2-2 tie and stood as the game-winner in Philadelphia’s 4-2 victory over the Capitals. The defenseman stepped into a crisp feed from Trevor Zegras and hammered a one-timer past Washington rookie netminder Clay Stevenson, giving the Flyers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
It wasn’t just Drysdale snapping a cold streak. Carl Grundstrom, scratched in the previous two games and goalless in his last 13, got a fortunate bounce in the second period.
His shot deflected off the skate of Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun and in, pushing the Flyers’ lead to 2-0 at the time. Sometimes, you need the hockey gods to lend a hand - and Grundstrom, back in the lineup and hungry, took full advantage.
The Flyers also got a strong night in net from Dan Vladar, who turned aside 26 shots, including some high-danger chances that kept Philly in control. His first period was particularly important - Washington dominated zone time early, outshooting the Flyers 11-4 in the opening frame, but Vladar stood tall and kept the game scoreless until the Flyers found their legs.
And when the Capitals pushed late - especially with Alex Ovechkin hunting history - Vladar didn’t blink. He stoned Ovechkin twice from the high slot in the third, denying the future Hall of Famer a chance to tie Sidney Crosby’s record of 29 career goals against the Flyers at Xfinity Live Arena. Those saves preserved the Flyers' narrow lead and helped them halt a four-game skid.
Owen Tippett got the Flyers on the board first with a slick finish early in the first. He took a cross-ice feed from Travis Sanheim and made a smooth forehand-to-backhand move to beat Stevenson. The goal was Tippett’s reward for jumping into the play and finishing with confidence - the kind of scoring touch Philly needs more of.
Travis Konecny continued his strong run of form, notching two assists for his fourth straight multi-point game and his 15th of the season. His playmaking has been a steady force for the Flyers, and he’s clearly in a groove right now.
Rasmus Ristolainen added the insurance goal with an empty-netter - his first of the season - and also chipped in an assist on Grundstrom’s tally. For a player whose contributions often go beyond the scoresheet, it was a nice statistical night.
Washington didn’t go quietly. Anthony Beauvillier had a goal and an assist, and Aliaksei Protas scored a short-handed goal to tie the game 2-2 in the second period. But the Capitals couldn’t sustain their momentum, and their three-game win streak came to an end.
Both teams now turn their attention to Thursday night - the final game before the Olympic break. The Capitals return home to face Nashville, while the Flyers will look to carry this momentum into a home tilt against Ottawa.
For Philadelphia, this wasn’t just a win - it was a much-needed reset. A night where depth players stepped up, the goalie delivered when it mattered, and a few slumps got snapped. If they can build on this, the Olympic break might arrive at just the right time.