Feb 3, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard (9) and Philadelphia Flyers left wing Noah Cates (27) battle for the puck during the second period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Despite being Metro Division opponents, the Washington Capitals had yet to face the Philadelphia Flyers this season before tonight’s matchup. The Capitals were on the second half of their tenth back-to-back on the season tonight, heading into Philly after beating the Islanders 4-1 in DC last night. The Flyers, on the other hand, had a two-day break between their last game—a home OT loss to the Kings—and tonight. Which energy would prove more powerful, the momentum of a solid win or a well-rested team?
Plus: The Capitals scored their second shorthanded goal of the season, this one courtesy of Aliaksei Protas (who had an assist on the shorty earlier this season in San Jose). Protas and Anthony Beauvillier had a breakaway opportunity while on the penalty kill, and they absolutely did not let it go to waste. A bonus for Protas: he scored a goal on his milestone night of 300 career NHL games.
Minus: After allowing two unanswered goals, it looked like the Caps were on the verge of completing the comeback after a shorty in the second period and a game-tying tally early in the third. Unfortunately, Justin Sourdif got dinged for hooking on Travis Konecny 14:13 into the third period and Washington’s PK couldn’t get it done. After just 24 seconds of power play time, Jamie Drysdale scored to put Philly back in the lead.
Caps Player of the Game: Tonight this honor goes to Anthony Beauvillier, who recorded the first shorthanded assist of his career and then tacked on the game-tying goal in the third period. Beauvillier also scored against the Islanders last night, giving him tallies in back-to-back games.
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