Bring on the Flyers

Caps ready to take on nemesis

The Caps face a big challenge tonight, when they head to Philadelphia to face the Flyers.  It's going to be a pretty big measuring stick of how far they've come as a team, but all signs point to a struggle.

The Caps are scuffling a bit, having won just one of their last five games.  They've scored just 10 goals in their last five games.

Meanwhile, Philly's been cruising.  They're 10-4-1 in their last 15 games, and they've returned to the physical style of play that their bloodthirsty fans demand between bites of cheesesteaks and boos.

Philly's been in a bit of a fighting mood this season.  They've had more fighting majors this year than they did when they earned the "Broad Street Bullies" nickname.

So Donald Brashear's likely to have a busy night, punctuated with a few five-minute respites.

While the Flyers will want to set a physical tone, what's going to matter most to the Caps the most is the tone set by the result.  They've scuffled a bit against the Flyers, including an embarrassing 7-1 loss in December.

And last year's playoff loss certainly must weigh in their minds.

But this is the kind of team they're going to need to beat if those Cup dreams are to come true.  Everything's pointing against them tonight, so it's as good a time as any to build up some momentum as the season dwindles down, and the real games get set to begin.

Chris Needham used to write Capitol Punishment.  He thinks cheesesteaks are overrated.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us