Flyers Crush Crapitals, 7-1, on Hartnell Hat Trick

The Washington Crapitals came to Philadelphia today with the misguided notion that they would extend their five game winning streak.  However, they ran into the juggernaut that is the Flyers, who powered past them, 7-1.  Antero Nittymaki was sensational in goal, stopping 47 shots and the Flyers offense continued to click on all cylinders.  Scott Hartnell scored his second hat trick in five games and became the first player in NHL history to have hats thrown on the ice for two goals.  Jeff Carter, who already had two goals, appeared to score his third on a goalmouth scramble in the third period, but Hartnell actually tapped the puck in for his second of the game.  Later in the period, Hartnell completed his hat trick for real, shooting into an open net after a nice tic-tac-toe passing play left goalie Jose Theodore completely out of position.  Jeff Carter added two assists for four points and Hartnell added one assist for four points as the Flyers poured it on in the third period. 

Washington played well especially in the first period, hitting and winning puck battles along the boards, which led to a Flyers’ record 25 shots allowed in the period.  Although many of the shots were from up high, Nittymaki made some awesome saves and the Flyers escaped the period leading 1-0.  Washington continued their strong play in the second, outshooting the Flyers 14-7, but backed in on Carter for his first goal and allowed him to get behind them for a shorthanded score (the Flyers’ NHL-leading ninth of the season) which gave the Flyers a 3-0 lead after two.  The Flyers took over in the third period, which was marked by the Crapitals’ typically dirty play when they’re behind, notably a hit from behind by Donald Brashear on Darrel Powe as a separate Washington penalty was being whistled.  Brashear did pound Riley Cote twice, although appeared to inexplicably point to the scoreboard after the second fight with the Flyers leading comfortably.  Perhaps he was indicating that he was the #1 fighter in the league, but as evidenced by the stupid hit from behind penalty, he’s in no danger of being ranked first in intelligence.  Flyers’ rookie Josh Gratton pounded Matt Bradley to round out the thumping. 

This team continues to impress on many levels, interestingly able to win games that appear that they should lose.  They roared back from a 5-1 deficit in the third period against Carolina to win 6-5 in a shootout a few games ago and today withstood the early onslaught to win going away.  The Flyers are fun to watch and consider: I think they have another notch or two that they can up their game come playoff time.  I am liking this team!

Antero Nittymaki makes one of his 47 saves.