Sarge And In Charge - The Flyers Complete The Home And Home Sweep Of The Capitals 3-1: Full Highlights and Analysis

The Sarge, Scott Laughton, lead the Flyers offense with 1 goal, an assist, and some key moments on the penalty kill.

1. The Flyers Penalty Kill:

The Flyers penalty kill was sharp and did an excellent job of denying Ovechkin his patented one-timer from the off wing circle. The Flyers conceded more room between hashmarks to cover Ovechkin and the Capitals could not capitalize from the bumper spot. The Flyers kill forced the Capitals to switch up their look, as they posted Ovechkin up on the weak side post.

The Capitals worked a couple of pucks through coverage to Ovechkin, but he could not finish any of the chances.

Active sticks, timely blocked shots, and a squared up Carter Hart were instrumental in the Flyers going 3 for 3 on the PK.

The Flyers penalty kill has shown signs of improvement after questionable coverage and pressure earlier in the season; a healthy lineup also key.

2. Don't Look Now:

Somebody is heating up on the power play. Scott Laughton has proven he can produce in all situations, opening the scoring on a deft deflection up high in the zone on the power play. Seldom used on the man advantage in the past, Laughton has proved worthy of power play time and has the ability to finish and move the puck effectively with his impressive hockey IQ.

Power play specialist Tony DeAngelo hesitated and timed his shot perfectly for Laughton, who hit the lane looking for a touch on the shot. Any deflection at that distance out causes nightmares for goalies. Joel Farabee registered the second assist.

As the trade deadline looms, Scott Laughton's name will certainly be inquired about, but I don't think the return would compare to what Laughts brings to the team and will continue to bring in the future.

3. Instant Pine Rider Pass?

Puck management has been stressed, as has situational play. Both stressors were ignored by Morgan Frost on the Caps opening goal; Ovechkin's 30th of the year.

Frost didn't have any pressure on him and could have wheeled into the corner or behind the net with the puck, but attempted a cheeky between the pass to Nick Seeler in the Flyers slot (I think - not sure what else he saw) looking for a quick up. Ovechkin made the easy read and made the Flyers pay.

Rasmus Ristolainen instantly spun to say something to Frost, or stare him down for the gaff and I can only imagine the welcome he got from John Tortorella when Frost returned to the bench. Ovechkin has done enough damage against the Flyers over the years, without gifting him goals.

The mental error was quickly forgiven by Tortorella and the quick response from the Flyers early in the second period eased the magnitude of the error and only cost Frost a couple of shifts; likely more leeway than the Flyers veterans would receive.

The favour was returned however, as Darcy Keumper handed the Flyers a gift to make the score 2-1 Philly. The Flyers got in on the forecheck and Noah Cates read the wrap around clearing, made a quick touch pass to Owen Tippett, and Tippett froze the Capitals D and tender with his patience. All three defenders locked in on Tippett and nobody picked up a wide open James Van Reimsdyk for the easy tally.

The goal was Van Reimsdyk's 7th in 21 games and Tippett's assists was his 11th point in his last 12 games.

4: All Star Vision - All Star Hands:

Off a set face-off play, Laughton chipped the puck to Hayes, who tried to circle Keumper and tuck it back behind the Capitals goalie from below the goal line. Hayes' initial attempt jammed up, but he adjusted and circled the net. Hayes sauced a soft backend pass into the slot for a poised Wade Allison who chiselled the puck past a scrambling Keumper.

One way or another, Hayes continues to find the score sheet and produce for Philadelphia.

5. Putting Doubt To Rest:

Two weeks ago it was speculated and debated the Philadelphia Flyers had a potential goaltending «controversy» brewing, with Samuel Ersson playing stellar between the pipes in his limited action. Any doubt about who the Flyers #1 is should be dismissed, especially after an outing like tonight. Carter Hart made 39 saves on 40 shots and never gave the Capitals much to look at. A particular facet of the Flyers fan base needs to take and deep breath and appreciate what the 24 year old netminder brings to this organization.

Even facing 40 shots and considerable pressure in the third period, the inevitable sense of pending collapse that seemed to plague the Flyers last year, has not translated to this year, as the Flyers are more composed, defensively sound, and engaged in securing wins.

And when you don't get a quality sound bite from Tortorella, you know the Flyers played a complete game

Philadelphia will need another 60 minute team effort on Monday, as they travel to Boston to take on the league leading Bruins, who are a remarkable 33-5-4.