Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - The Washington Capitals try to match the best start in team history today when they visit the
Philadelphia Flyers in a matinee at the First Union Center.
Currently at 3-0, the Caps can match the franchise mark that was last set in 1997-98, when the team used a 4-0 start as a springboard for its run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
On Thursday the team remained perfect with a 2-1 victory over the reigning Eastern Conference-champion Carolina Hurricanes in the second installment of an eight-game road trip. Fittingly, the team's three anchors -- Jaromir Jagr, Peter Bondra and Olaf Kolzig -- all played prominent roles in the triumph. Jagr and Bondra both tallied second-period goals, and Kolzig turned in a 37- save performance.
Jagr, hoping to forget about last season, has three goals in three games, as does the always potent Bondra. Newcomer Robert Lang, signed away from Pittsburgh this summer, is tied for the team lead in points with the duo, having dished out five assists.
The team's back-to-back road victories are somewhat uplifting considering Washington did not win consecutive away tilts until March 2 last season. The Caps' trek resumes in Dallas on Sunday and also includes stops in New York (Rangers), Tampa, Sunrise and Pittsburgh. (Rangers), Tampa, Sunrise and Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, is also unbeaten (2-0-2) and is coming off Thursday's 3-3 tie with the Islanders. Michal Handzus, Jeremy Roenick and Todd Fedoruk each scored for the Flyers, but New York was able to salvage a point courtesy of Brad Isbister's lucky-bounce goal with 2:08 left in regulation. Goaltender Roman Cechmanek made 23 saves in the deadlock.
The third-period mini-collapse was nothing new at home for the Flyers, who still went 20-13-5-3 at the First Union Center a season ago.
Philly played without captain Keith Primeau, who sustained an ankle injury when hit by a shot last Saturday in Calgary. He is questionable for this afternoon's match.
The Flyers swept four games from the Caps last season and are 7-2-1 in the last 10 clashes overall. Washington is 0-9-1 in its last 10 trips to the First Union Center, dating back to January 31, 1998. Union Center, dating back to January 31, 1998.
