The Washington Capitals came into Monday night riding a three-game win streak and looking like a team starting to find its groove. But any momentum they brought into Philadelphia hit a wall-specifically, a Flyers team that’s been quietly sharpening its edge. Despite a strong push from the Caps, it was a late power play goal from Jamie Drysdale that sealed a 3-2 win for the Flyers and snapped Washington’s streak.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded-and how one penalty in the third period changed the entire complexion of the game.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The Flyers jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first 25 minutes, forcing Washington to chase. But to the Capitals’ credit, they didn’t fold.
They clawed their way back, tying the game just 2:40 into the third period. At that point, the tide seemed to be turning.
Washington had the momentum, the energy, and the belief that they could steal one on the road despite playing the night before.
But hockey can be cruel in its timing.
The Turning Point: Sourdif’s Hooking Penalty
With the game knotted at two and the Capitals pressing, Justin Sourdif was whistled for hooking Travis Konecny. It was a penalty the Caps couldn’t afford, not just because of the time on the clock-just over six minutes left-but because of the way the Flyers’ power play had been buzzing.
And it didn’t take long for that buzz to turn into a dagger.
24 Seconds of Trouble
The Flyers wasted no time. Just 24 seconds into the man advantage, they cashed in.
It started with a Bobby Brink wrist shot from above the left circle-Clay Stevenson made the initial stop, but the puck stayed alive in front. Konecny nearly buried the rebound, but it bounced into the corner where Trevor Zegras picked it up.
Zegras, showing off the vision that makes him such a weapon, fed Jamie Drysdale just above the circles. Drysdale didn’t hesitate-he one-timed the puck through traffic, beating Stevenson high glove side.
It was Drysdale’s fourth goal of the season, and arguably his most timely.
A Missed Opportunity for the Caps
For Washington, this one stings. They had done the hard part-erasing a two-goal deficit on the road in the second half of a back-to-back. But the penalty kill, which had a chance to not just maintain the tie but potentially swing momentum even further in Washington’s favor, faltered.
The Caps’ special teams have had their ups and downs this season, and this was one of those moments where it cost them. A successful kill there could have opened the door for a late-game winner the other way. Instead, they were left chasing the game again, this time with far less time on the clock.
Looking Ahead
There’s no shame in the effort. Washington played a solid game overall, especially considering the quick turnaround.
But in a tight playoff race, these are the games that can loom large later in the season. For the Flyers, it’s a statement win-one that shows they can close out a game when it matters, and one that featured key contributions from their young core.
As for the Capitals, they’ll need to tighten up their special teams if they want to keep climbing. Because in games like this, one penalty can be all it takes to flip the script.