NHL CAPSULES

CAPITALS CLOSE OUT FLYERS

Nicklas Backstrom scored, Braden Holtby had 26 saves, and the Washington Capitals beat the Philadelphia Flyers 1- 0 in Game 6 to win the series 4-2 and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Capitals will play the Pittsburgh Penguins, setting up a marquee matchup of Alex Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby. Ovechkin had an assist on Backstrom’s secondperiod goal that was easily enough against the punchless Flyers.

STARS ELIMINATE WILD

Jason Spezza scored his fourth of the series as the Dallas Stars held off the Minnesota Wild 5- 4 to wrap up their first- round series in six games. Jared Spuregon scored two of Minnesota’s four third-period goals, both on the power play, and the Wild came within a fraction of an inch of tying the game with 34 seconds remaining when Nino Niederreiter whacked at a loose puck that did not quite fully cross the goal-line.

SHARKS EXORCISE DEMONS

After beating the Los Angeles Kings in five games, it looks like past playoff challenges have tempered San Jose’s mettle. “I’m sure for some of the guys, they felt like we exorcised some demons tonight. But for the group in general, it was a well- earned victory,” said Sharks coach Pete DeBoer, after his club made a 6- 3 series clinching statement Friday. “I think to win three games in this building ... is a testament to the character of this group.”