The Washington Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, live on TNT, according to the NHL schedule listings from DAZN, Sync2Cal and FanDuel’s game preview. Washington arrives at 6-4-0 as a strong home favourite, while Philadelphia sits at 3-7-4 after Tuesday’s heartbreaking 4-3 overtime loss to Columbus, in which the Flyers tied the game with 11 seconds left only to lose in the extra period.
Flyers on a back-to-back
Philadelphia’s task is made harder by the schedule: less than 24 hours after an emotional overtime defeat, the Flyers must travel to Washington and face a rested Capitals team. Dan Vladar is the likely starter in goal for Philadelphia, with Charlie Lindgren expected for Washington, according to starting-goalie reports. The Flyers’ comeback against Columbus showed character, with Trevor Zegras scoring and assisting, but they need to turn moral victories into actual points. Their 3-7-4 record leaves little room for error.
Capitals’ home edge
Washington has been strong at Capital One Arena, and the Capitals’ experience should tell against a young Flyers team on tired legs. The home side is favoured by 1.5 goals on the puck line, with a total of 6.5 goals, according to FanDuel’s preview, and numberFire gives Washington a 72.8 percent win probability. The Capitals’ power play and veteran leadership are the key advantages. If Washington scores first, Philadelphia’s tired legs could make a comeback very difficult.
What to watch
Watch the first period. If Philadelphia survives the opening 20 minutes level, the Flyers’ confidence from Tuesday’s comeback could carry them. If Washington scores early and often, this could be a long night for the visitors on national television. Earlier in this NHL series, Kent Johnson won it in overtime as Columbus rallied past Philadelphia 4-3, while the Battle of Alberta sees Calgary visit high-flying Edmonton.
