Flyers-Capitals: Game 55 Preview

Kevin Durso

May 8 2021

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Flyers got another solid performance from young players in a win over the Washington Capitals on Friday night that seriously put some implications on the division race.

The Capitals chances at the division title took a hit in that loss, one they will be looking to avenge in the final meeting of the season between the two sides on Saturday night.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

Team Leaders

Philadelphia Flyers	GP	G	A	P	Washington Capitals	GP	G	A	P
Jake Voracek	51	9	34	43	Nicklas Backstrom	54	15	38	53
Claude Giroux	52	16	25	41	John Carlson	52	10	34	44
James van Riemsdyk	54	16	25	41	T.J. Oshie	52	22	21	43
Sean Couturier	43	17	22	39	Alex Ovechkin	44	24	18	42
Joel Farabee	53	18	18	36	Tom Wilson	45	13	20	33

Cam York made his NHL debut on Friday and displayed some outstanding skating ability and good skills on the power play. In his second NHL game on Saturday, he'll be worth watching again.

T.J. Oshie has been on a hot streak of late. His inspirational hat trick in his first game back after the passing of his father has been the highlight, but Oshie has eight goals in his last eight games.

Alex Lyon gets the start on Saturday. Lyon got his first win of the season on Monday night, making 35 saves in a 7-2 win over the Penguins. This could be Lyon's last start in goal, so he'll be looking to make another solid one. He also started against the Capitals on April 17, allowing five goals on 40 shots in the loss.

Craig Anderson makes just his second start of the season on Saturday night. Anderson played the final 22:45 of a loss to the Flyers on Feb. 7, allowing two goals on eight shots and taking the loss in relief. His only start came on Feb. 21, allowing three goals on 26 shots in a win over the Devils. Anderson also appeared in the final 24:44 of the Capitals game against Buffalo on April 15, making saves on all eight shots he faced.

Projected Lineups

Flyers Scratches: Shayne Gostisbehere (suspension), Robert Hagg (healthy), Jackson Cates (healthy)

Capitals Scratches: Alex Ovechkin (injury), Justin Schultz (injury), Evgeny Kuznetsov (COVID protocol), Ilya Samsonov (COVID protocol)

Lineup Notes

Flyers: No lineup changes are expected for the Flyers.
Capitals: There is a chance the Capitals get Justin Schultz back for this game after he skated on Saturday morning. Otherwise, no changes are expected.

Game Notes

Power Play: Flyers (19th), Capitals (3rd)
Penalty Kill: Flyers (30th), Capitals (7th)
Recent History vs. Capitals
- Feb. 7, 2021 – Flyers 7, Capitals 4 (at WSH)
- March 7, 2021 – Capitals 3, Flyers 1 (at PHI)
- March 11, 2021 – Capitals 5, Flyers 3 (at PHI)
- March 13, 2021 – Capitals 5, Flyers 4 (at PHI)
- April 13, 2021 – Capitals 6, Flyers 1 (at WSH)
- April 17, 2021 – Capitals 6, Flyers 3 (at PHI)
- May 7, 2021 – Flyers 4, Capitals 2 (at WSH)
Flyers Leaders vs. Capitals
- Claude Giroux – 52 GP, 23 G, 25 A, 48 P
- Jake Voracek – 46 GP, 15 G, 22 A, 37 P
- Sean Couturier – 40 GP, 12 G, 19 A, 31 P
- Alex Lyon – 2 GP, 0-1-0, 4.55 GAA, .889 SV%
Milestone Watch
- Claude Giroux needs two power-play goals to pass Eric Lindros for 8th all-time in Flyers history.
- Kevin Hayes needs one point to reach 300 for his career.