×

Kuznetsov’s 2 goals lead Capitals to win over Flyers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Evgeny Kuznetsov scored two goals, Braden Holtby made 33 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie also scored for the NHL-leading Capitals, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Brayden Schenn had the lone goal for the struggling Flyers, who are 2-5 in their last seven games. Michal Neuvirth stopped 25 shots for Philadelphia.

Backstrom gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead in the first period when he scored his 18th goal. He snapped a wrist shot from the right circle and the puck fluttered over Neuvirth’s shoulder.

Kuznetsov’s power-play goal made it 2-0 late in the first. He fired a shot from the side of the net that sailed inside the post and bounced hard off the netting and flew out of the crease.

Kuznetsov scored his 14th goal to give Washington a 3-1 lead after Schenn got one for Philadelphia earlier in the second period. Kuznetsov’s slap shot deflected off the stick of Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas and slid between Neuvirth’s legs.

Schenn deflected Brandon Manning’s slap shot past Holtby in the second period for his 19th goal.

Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek scored 23 seconds into the game, but Capitals coach Barry Trotz challenged the goal and it was overturned because Dale Weise interfered with Holtby.

The Flyers had another goal disallowed in the second period when a video review determined Ivan Provorov’s slap shot hit the crossbar and didn’t go in despite the light going off.

Oshie shoved in a loose puck for his 24th goal after Alex Ovechkin slipped it past Neuvirth and into the crease.

NOTES: Flyers D Shayne Gostisbehere hasn’t scored a goal in 33 games. … The Capitals lead the season series 2-1 and host the Flyers on March 4 in the final matchup between the teams. … Schenn has scored five of his 19 goals even strength. … Backstrom has 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) in his last 22 games. … Washington has scored four or more goals 28 times.

UP NEXT

Capitals: Host Edmonton on Friday night.

Flyers: Play the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins on Saturday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as part of the NHL Stadium Series.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today