Sat Apr 19 10:37:00 2008

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Flyers try to end series in D.C.

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(Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Flyers will try to close out their best- of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series tonight, when they visit the Washington Capitals for Game 5 at the Verizon Center.

The Capitals struck first with a home win in Game 1, but Philadelphia has rattled off three straight victories to take a 3-1 series' lead. Washington has no margin for error and has to win three in a row to advance to the conference semifinals.

Washington has come back from a 3-1 deficit once before against the Flyers, as it won the final three games to shock Philadelphia in the 1988 Patrick Division semifinals.

After earning a split in Washington, the Flyers won both Games 3 and 4 on their home ice. Philly notched a 6-3 win on Tuesday and pounded out a double- overtime victory on Thursday.

Mike Knuble's goal 6:40 into the second OT lifted Philadelphia to a dramatic 4-3 victory over Washington in Game 4.

With several Philadelphia players engaged in a battle for the puck along the end boards, it was finally dug loose by Jeff Carter. He then dished to Knuble in front of the net, where the winger knocked the disc past Cristobal Huet.

Carter had a pair of goals, while Danny Briere also scored in regulation for the Flyers. Martin Biron was stellar between the pipes, turning aside 38-of-41 shots.

Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin each had a goal and an assist, while Steve Eminger also lit the lamp for the Caps.

Alex Ovechkin registered a pair of helpers, but was once again neutralized by a contingent of players, while Huet ended with 42 saves.

Ovechkin has five points (1 goal, 4 assists) in the series, but hasn't scored a goal since netting the game-winner in the opener. The Russian superstar led the NHL with 65 goals and 112 points during the regular season.

This is the first-ever playoff series for the Russian left wing.

Briere, meanwhile, continues to be an offensive force for the Flyers. The centerman has seven points (5g, 2a) in the four games to lead all players in this series.

Washington is in the postseason for the first time since 2003 after winning its first Southeast Division title since 2001. The Capitals haven't won a playoff series since making a run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998.

Philadelphia is back in the playoffs after suffering through the worst season in franchise history a year ago. The 2006-07 edition of the Orange & Black not only missed out on the postseason, but finished last in the NHL for the first time in club history. The Flyers' 54 points was the lowest-ever total for the team, but the 2007-08 club rebounded with a 95-point season.

The Flyers are trying to get out of the first round for the first time since reaching the conference finals in 2004.

The Capitals have won two of the three all-time playoff series against the Flyers. Washington posted series' wins over Philly in 1984 and 1988, but the Flyers won the last postseason meeting between the clubs in 1989.

Philadelphia won the regular-season series against the Caps, posting a slight 2-1-1 edge.

Washington was 23-15-3 as the hosts this season, while the Flyers were 21-15-5 as the visiting club.

If necessary, Game 6 of this series will take place Monday night in Philadelphia.