The Washington Capitals secured their playoff berth in dramatic fashion, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Tuesday night. The Flyers’ desperate attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive backfired when they pulled goalie Samuel Ersson for an extra attacker in a tie game, allowing T.J. Oshie to score into an empty net with just 3 minutes remaining.
The surreal scene unfolded after a hard-fought third period that saw both teams playing 5 on 5. Just minutes after Detroit’s overtime loss in Montreal eliminated Philadelphia, Flyers coach John Tortorella made the fateful decision to pull Ersson.
The Capitals, who had endured a six-game losing streak earlier in the season, capitalized on the Flyers’ desperation. Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring late in the first period with his 31st goal of the season, moving 42 goals closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
Philadelphia responded in the second period with a goal from Erik Johnson, but Charlie Lindgren stood tall in net for Washington, making 27 saves. Lindgren’s strong performance, coupled with Oshie’s empty-netter, sealed the victory for the Capitals.
The Flyers’ playoff hopes were dashed, while the Capitals clinched a berth and eliminated their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Washington will now face the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs, beginning this weekend.
