Washington Capitals face Philadelphia Flyers in crucial fixture - NHL Preview
The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers will duke it out on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the Wells Fargo Center, for two points that could change the complexion of their season.
The Capitals need the points to keep pace with Florida Panthers for the Southeast division title and take home ice advantage going into the playoffs.
Washington trails the Panthers by five points, and they lie eighth in the Eastern Conference with 80-points and will also be looking to move ahead of the playoff chasing Buffalo Sabres who are currently tied on points with the Capitals in ninth.
Philadelphia, are fifth in the Eastern Conference with 92-points and need the two points to keep pace with Atlantic division rivals Pittsburgh Penguins who are four points ahead of them.
Capitals (37-30-6, 80 pts)
Washington will be hoping that forward Alex Ovechkin gets back to his brilliant best after he ended his recent slump in form with a fine performance against Detroit Red Wings on Monday.
Ovechkin scored twice in the road game with both goals coming on the power play as the Capitals defeated a slumping Red Wings team 5-3.
The Capitals were in complete control throughout and remained strong in defence as the Red Wings mounted their fight back.
Left winger Jason Chimera said after the game.
"That was probably the best period we've played all year. I thought after the first period, 'That's the Washington Capitals. That's what we can play like.' "
Washington ended a two-game skid with the win and will be looking to continue with the same performance against a tough Philadelphia Flyers side.
Flyers (42-23-8, 92 pts)
Philadelphia have kept pace with a brilliant Pittsburgh side throughout the season and defeated them 3-2 in overtime at home ice.
However, they failed to follow up on that important win after losing 2-1 to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
Flyers forward Max Talbot said after the game.
"I thought we played well, but at the same time, we have to drive to the net more, create more traffic in front, stuff like that, to make it harder for their goalie,"
The Flyers will be looking to bounce back and get their run for a fourth placed finish back on track with a win over Washington.
It will not be an easy game though as Washington look in good knick but the Flyers will be confident at home.
Predictions
Tough to predict a winner but the Philadelphia Flyers will be favourites to win out on home ice.
It can turn into a high scoring game as both teams boast amazing offensive players in their rosters.
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