Shootout win propels Flyers past Capitals

In a wildly entertaining game between two heavyweights in the Eastern Conference, the Flyers downed the Capitals, 5-4, in a game decided by a shootout. This one certainly had a playoff feel to it with two good teams battling from start to finish, neither one willing to concede two points to the opposition. In the end, after letting a two goal lead slip away, the Flyers managed to hold on in overtime and then win on a Danny Briere shootout goal.

The Flyers offense continues to feature a balanced attack as 8 different players ended up with points. The usual suspects of Claude Giroux, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter all scored goals and Andreas Nodl even chipped in his 5th goal of the season.

Brian Boucher got the start in net for the Flyers, his first since October 25th, and he was just good enough to keep the Flyers in the game. At times, Boucher was brilliant, making some key saves for the Flyers down the stretch. At other times, Boucher looked rusty, giving up a few questionable goals that allowed the Capitals to stay in the game. While Boosh may be the odd man out when Michael Leighton returns to the ice, he is certainly still talented enough to be a quality backup goaltender in the league.

With the win, the Flyers still remain atop their division and second in the Eastern Conference in points. They have positioned themselves as one of the best teams in the league through both their offense, which has scored a league-high 75 goals, and their defense, which, Thursday night's game against the Lightning notwithstanding, has been lock-down, as evidenced by their league high goal differential of +22. With a game against the Canadiens on Monday, the Flyers string of entertaining games figures to continue.
(AP PHOTO)