Flyers Implode Over Final 2:57 Of Play

The Philadelphia Flyers faltered late vs the Washington Capitals Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Losing 5-3 after three Capitals goals in the final 2:57 of play.

The Flyers were playing their best 1st period in months. But, one lapse with 1:25 left, led to the opening goal and a Capitals 1-0 lead.

Michal Kempny would fire one by Martin Jones high over the blocker. The Capitals would win not one, not two, but three loose puck battles in the Flyers zone. Before Nic Dowd found Kempny in the high slot for the goal.

In the 2nd period, the Flyers would tie the game. Not once, but twice.

On the power-play, Gerry Mayhew would get his 4th of the season. Mayhew would finish a perfectly executed passing play – Morgan Frost to Isaac Ratcliffe to Oskar Lindblom to Mayhew for the goal.

After the Flyers took back to back penalties, the Capitals would get 45-seconds of 5v3. No goal would be scored on the 5v3, but on the latter power-play, Washington would retake the lead.

Martin Jones would stop Joe Snively’s initial shot. But, the rebound would find its way to Snively. Who would fire it by Jones for the goal.

But, with 58-seconds remaining in the 2nd period, the Flyers would tie the game again.

Travis Sanheim would slap home a perfect 2-on-1 pass by Travis Konecny. Who was set up by a ridiculously good cross ice slap pass by Claude Giroux.

In the 3rd period, everything was going right for the Flyers & they would take the lead with 4:06 in the game.

Gerry Mayhew would get his 2nd goal of the night. Travis Sanheim would walk around a Capitals defender on the rush and slide a pass across the crease to Mayhew. Who would slam it home.

However, just like much of this Flyers season, it would unravel from there.

The Capitals would score 3-goals in a span of 2:09 of the final 2:57. Leading to a 5-3 win for the Capitals.

Martin Jones stopped 20 of the 24 shots he faced in the losing effort.

Isaac Ratcliffe Impressing In 1st Call-up

With the Flyers ravished by injuries and the season pretty much decided, many prospects will get a chance over the final half of the season.

One player who already is getting a shot is Isaac Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe, who played in his 6th NHL game tonight, continues to show a ton of promise. Using his size, muscle, & skill in all three zones of the ice.

Tonight, Ratcliffe finished with an assist & 2-shots on goal in 11:02 of ice time. Has 1G & 2A in 6-games this season.

Martin Jones Flops

One Flyers players who is expected to be traded at the deadline is Martin Jones. But, in his first start in 23-days, Jones just didn’t have it tonight.

Through two periods, Jones was doing everything the Flyers were asking him to do. Making the saves that the Flyers needed to keep the game tied.

But, in the 3rd period, Jones just couldn’t make the big save when the Flyers needed it the most.

While his stats tell a different story, the reason the Flyers had a chance tonight was Jones. But, when the Flyers needed the one big save late in the 3rd, Jones couldn’t deliver.

Capitals Continue To Have Flyers Number

Even with Alex Ovechkin having just 2-shots & 0-points, the Washington Capitals still found a way to win. Something that they continue to do with ease against the Flyers.

Over their last 9-games, the Flyers have just 2-wins vs the Capitals. In Philadelphia, it gets even worse.

The Flyers have now lost 5-straight to the Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center. As well as, 8 of their last 9-games in Philadelphia.

Coming back to win tonight with 3-goals in the final 2:57 of play to win 5-3.

Result : Capitals 5 – Flyers 3 , LOSS

Record :   15 – 25 – 9

Next Game : Monday 2/21 vs Carolina Hurricanes , Philadelphia PA , 3:00pm

Photo Credit : Len Redkoles – Getty Images