The Caps got goals from Ovechkin (2), Carlson, Beagle, Johansson and Kuznetsov as they walloped the Philadelphia Flyers 6-1 at Wells Fargo tonight.
The Flyers came out swinging with a quick goal 57 seconds into a game that honored former Team President, Ed Snider, who passed away last week. Philadelphia saluted their former founder in a touching tribute that seemed to hit home on the Flyers bench.
Unfortunately, that was all they could muster as the game began to get out of control and the Flyers self-destructed.
The Capitals scored 6 unanswered goals, including going 5-9 on the power play to rout the home Flyers and drive the fans from the stands.
Braden Holtby was strong, stopping 31 of 32 shots.
On the other end, Steve Mason took the brunt of the Capitals offense, stopping just 21-27 shots on goal.
The game wasn't all giggles for the Caps as they lost defenseman Brooks Orpik in the second after a brutal, yet relatively legal, hit by Ryan White. Orpik looked dazed as he was helped slowly off the ice. The Caps hope their veteran leader will be OK for Game 4 on Wednesday, but we should look for Mike Weber to step in and be a physical presence on the back-end.
Ovechkin's 3-point night gave him the all-time franchise lead for playoff points with 74, surpassing former Caps' great Dale Hunter (72).
In what was an ugly game for the Flyers, Wednesday's game should look much different as Philadelphia will be facing elimination. This is the first time the Capitals have been up 3-0 in a series - EVER.
But the Caps have seen 3 games to 1 series leads slip through their grasp.
"Just keep to the game plan," Braden Holtby told Pierre McGuire after the game.
The Caps are now 8-15 on the power play this post-season and 100% on the PK, killing all 13 Flyers penalties.
What did you think of tonights game?
Can the Caps close out the Flyers on Wednesday?
More to come...