The Washington Capitals were routed at home on Tuesday night by the Eastern Conference points leaders from Philadelphia. A three goal second period gave the Flyers a comfortable lead which the Caps could not overcome. Tomas Vokoun, who gave up the three goals on just twelve shots was replaced in the third period by Michael Neuvirth.
Neuvirth allowed the Flyers fifth and final goal, as they piled it on in a 5-0 shutout that would hold for most of the third period. Jakub Voracek notched his fifth of the season on a deflection in front of the net. Voracek camped out in front and was able to knock it down and through the wickets of Neuvirth. The goal was reviewed, as Voracek's stick was close to being above the crossbar when he deflected it but replay upheld the call and the 5-0 lead.
The Caps would finally break the shutout with six minutes to go. Jeff Halpern fired a wrister that beat Flyers' goalie Ilya Bryzgalov for Washington's first goal of the night. It was obviously of little consolation, however, as the Flyers were well on their way to burning the final six minutes and sealing their 19th win of the season. Even without Chris Pronger and team points leader Claude Giroux, the Flyers overwhelmed the Caps in a disheartening home loss at Verizon Center.
For more on the Capitals, please visit Japers' Rink, SB Nation's Caps blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit SB Nation Philly and Broad Street Hockey, SB Nation's Flyers blog.