The Washington Capitals hope to end a successful homestand on a positive note Wednesday night when they face the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Capitals enter the game with momentum — and plenty of rest. They have gone 3-1-0 on their five-game homestand and have played only one game since Oct. 20.
Regarding the recent days off, Washington coach Spencer Carbery sees both sides of the equation.
“It’s definitely beneficial when you have injuries, because it just gives you extra days where you’re not playing games,” Carbery said. “But for where we’re at with us having gotten healthy up front … we’d probably like to keep playing, as opposed to sitting. But (it’s better) especially when you win, because the vibes are a little bit better in and around the locker room.”
The vibes certainly were high Saturday when the team notched a 4-3 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres. Dylan Strome scored twice in the second period for Washington before Alex Tuch converted in overtime to cap his two-goal performance.
“I thought he was the best player out there tonight,” Tuch said of Strome. “I thought he was unbelievable, and it’s easy to play with a guy like that. Always got his head up, so much poise, always looking for the next play.”
Carbery also was complimentary of Aliaksei Protas, who registered a season-high four shots but remains without a goal after scoring 55 in the previous two years combined.
“I thought that was the best game he’s played this year,” Carbery said.
Philadelphia coach Rick Tocchet wasn’t in the same mood after his team’s most recent game. The Flyers rallied from a three-goal deficit to force overtime against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday before allowing two 2-on-0 breakaways in overtime, the final one resulting in the game-winning goal in Philadelphia’s 4-3 loss.
“The decision-making in overtime this year has been mind-boggling by some players,” Tocchet said. “We’ve got to fix it — quickly.”
Trevor Zegras finished with a goal and an assist for the Flyers, giving him three goals and six assists during a five-game point streak.
“When he plays a certain way, he’s a good player,” Tocchet said. “I am encouraged. He’s getting some points for us.”
Still, Tocchet’s squad has struggled to play consistent hockey during this young season. The team opened with nine straight defeats (0-6-3) — the worst start in franchise history — before posting three wins in a row.
That mini-run, however, has not translated into continued success. Philadelphia is back on a two-game skid and has surpassed only three goals once in 14 games (3-7-4).
“We have to have a chunk of players who, when they come in, they know this is how the Flyers play,” Tocchet said. “We can’t be so roller-coasterish.”
The Flyers and Capitals split four meetings last season, with each team winning both of its home contests. Washington has taken eight of the past 10 matchups overall.