FRIGHTENING SCENE IN PHILLY
Flyers dedicate season-saving 2-1 win to Laughton, sent to hospital after awkward spill vs. Capitals
DANGER ZONE Scott Laughton, stretchered off after a run-in with John Carlson of the Caps in Game 4, was reportedly OK in hospital by game’s end.
PHILADELPHIA— Michal Neuvirth stopped 31 shots in his first start of the series, helping the Philadelphia Flyers stave off a sweep with a 2-1win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.
The Capitals lead the best-of-seven first-round series 3-1 headed into Game 5 Friday night in Washington. The Capitals still have never swept a best-of-seven playoff series.
Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald each scored for the Flyers.
Neuvirth was sensational in the third after T.J. Oshie scored early in the period to make it 2-1.
The game was marred by a scary hit that saw Flyers centre Scott Laughton leave on a stretcher after a hit into the boards late in the first period. Washington defenceman John Carlson tangled with Laughton behind the Capitals’ net late. Laughton stumbled and his head and neck slammed into the back boards. He went down in a heap face-first and was immobile for several minutes. There was no penalty called on the play.
Laughton talked to medical personnel as they strapped him on the board. The Flyers said he was taken to Jefferson Hospital for precaution- ary reasons.
Flyers rookie coach Dave Hakstol shuffled the lineup for the win-or-else game. He benched No. 1 goalie Steve Mason for Neuvirth and moved Brayden Schenn to the top line and demoted Jake Voracek.
Mason allowed five power-play goals, including four in the third peri-- od, in a 6-1 Game 3 loss. Mason’s Game 2 gaffe that allowed Jason Chimera’s 101-foot goal has been replayed on an endless blooper reel in Philly.
Exit Mason, enter Neuvirth, who played parts of six seasons in Washington and went 18-8-4 with a 2.27 goal against and a .924 save percentage in 32 games.
“He always was pretty clutch, so I’m sure he’s going to be fine tonight,” Voracek said. He was clutch, indeed. Oshie backhanded a rebound off Matt Niskanen’s shot from the point just 2:38 into the third. That was it for the Capitals.
“Every series is about getting the four (wins). We need to get the four,” coach Barry Trotz said.
“The sooner you get the four, it gives you a couple opportunities to rest guys, heal guys (and get) a little mental break from the pressures of playoff hockey and a little more time to prepare.”