The scoreboard ticker at the top of the video tells the real story: it's 7-0 Washington on Philadelphia ice with still more than half a period to play. The game is over, the rout is on, and the Flyers, beaten to every puck, out-hustled to every contest, and blown away on the scoreboard, are frustrated, and obviously looking for some sort of revenge for being completely out-played in every facet of the game.
And so, this ensues...
Emery had no business leaving his crease - he was penalised for it - and looked like nothing short of a commonplace thug in doing so. Washington netminder Braden Holtby didn't want to fight, and you can't blame him, but what do you do when a guy is racing down the ice, shedding gear, wanting to punch your lights out?
I was surprised how long it took the Caps to get in and help their goalie. At first, they just stood and watched. Jump right in, boys. That's your franchise goalie there, taking a beating. Emery, who somehow managed to be awarded the game's Third Star as well as picking up an additional two minutes for leaving his crease, really can throw them. Goalie fights are usually pretty weak or else token, but there was some serious hurt there. I guess when you give up 4 goals on 15 saves, you're a little upset.
Proceedings really exploded when Vinny Lecavalier (not a noted fighter) and Brayden Schenn (handy with his fists) got into it with their opposite numbers, Steve Oleksy and Alexander Urbom, and there's nothing the referees or linesmen can do. It's a time to sit back and let guys get their fill, and skate off. The game was a disaster for the Flyers. Never good when the crowd's at their loudest all night during a fight. Philly drops to a woeful 3-9.
Congratulations to Washington's Joel Ward, who notched his first career NHL hat trick in the rout. Nicklas Backstrom had a 3-point night (2G, 1A) as well. It was a wild one!
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