Caps got obliterated by Flyers 7-1

It's painful even thinking about this game much less writing about it. Long-time Caps fans hate the Philadelphia Flyers and that other Pennsylvania team more than most other teams because the history is long and, at times, painful like last year. Last year is when Philly ended the Caps improbable run on an overtime goal by Joffrey Lupul in game 7.

And, it was Joffrey Lupul who started the scoring for Philadelphia on Saturday in the blood bath that ensued. The Caps could not get the puck past goalie Antero Niittymaki if their lives depended on it. They set a team road record with 25 shots on net in the first period. None of those lit the lamp.

The only highlight of that game was watching Donald Brashear pound Riley Cote into the ground again. I'm not sure why Cote keeps torturing himself and he did it twice in this game, but fine. Let Donald get the best of you. It's the only thing Caps fans enjoyed about that agme.

And, thank you, Brooks Laich for scoring the lone Capitals goal.

Everything else was a lowlight:

• The defense.
• Tom Poti left the game with a tweaked groin again. The Caps need him in the lineup badly.
• Alex Ovechkin had 12 shots on goal, but who cares if none of them go in.
• The goaltending. Brent Johnson let in softies and got the Caps behind 3-0 on a short-handed goal near the end of the 2nd period. For some reason, Coach Boudreau thought he should pull Johnson and bring in Jose Theodore cold after being off about a week for an injury. So, Theodore then lets in 4 goals on 15 shots. Ugh. I really don't think that did much to boost his confidence.
• The Caps lost it mentally by the 3rd period after not getting any goals and no longer played with energy.

Let's hope the Caps shake this one off and move on. They play at the New York Rangers tomorrow night.

Let's go Caps!