NHL Playoffs, Capitals vs. Flyers Game 6 full highlights, final score and more
The Washington Capitals have eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers after a 1-0 victory in Game 6.
Final. 0. 68. 1. 19
It took the Capitals much longer than they intended, but they have eliminated the Flyers from the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs with a 1-0 win in Game 6. After gaining a 3-0 lead in the series, the Flyers won the next two games. The Caps were able to buckle down and grind out a 1-0 win that featured stellar defense and opportunistic offense.
Washington’s lone goal came from Nicklas Backstrom in the second period after the Flyers failed to capitalize on a five-on-three power play. The Caps failed to capitalize on a five-on-three power play of their own in the first period that carried over to the second. Both goaltenders (Braden Holtby for the Caps and Michal Neuvirth for the Flyers) did a phenomenal job in net, allowing one goal on a combined 55 shots on goal.
Three stars
Backstrom gets the first star of the game because, without him, it would have been a 0-0 affair. He scored his goal off an excellent pass from Marcus Johansson who was set up by Alex Ovechkin. Backstrom is a calm, underrated center who quietly pushes a point-per-game pace each season. It’s great to finally see him get to be the hero for once — it’s a role that he rarely gets to play because typically that’s Ovechkin.
Holtby gets the second star of the game. Much like he did during the regular season, Holtby kept the Caps in the game until they grabbed the lead and then refused to surrender that lead. He withstood a barrage of shots from the Flyers in the third period as Philadelphia refused to go out quietly. Holtby made 26 saves on the day for the shutout.
Ovechkin gets the third star of the game because of his all-around play. As always, he was a great physical presence and the Capitals most consistent offensive weapon. Hat tip to Neuvirth, he was great.
Highlights
Next Game
The Flyers will go home and have to watch the rest of the playoffs from their couches. However, they have nothing to be ashamed of. Great season for them. The Capitals will take on the Penguins in the second round.
For more coverage of the NHL Playoffs, make sure to check out our NHL hub page.