Written by Dan Gelston at WashingtonPost.com
Michal Neuvirth skated off the Flyers’ ice to a roar he wanted to hear.
Only thunderous cheers came from the fans, not flying objects. With how Neuvirth played, he might have stopped them anyway.
Neuvirth had 31 saves in his first start of the playoff series, helping Philadelphia stave off a sweep with a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.
“We talked about it, let’s have some fun and enjoy the moment. We did,” Neuvirth said.
The Capitals still lead the series 3-1 headed into Game 5 Friday night in Washington.
Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald each scored for the Flyers in a distraction-free game following Game 3’s embarrassing end where fans pelted the ice with souvenir wristbands.
“The fans were a little bit better than last game,” Flyers captain Claude Giroux said. “It’s good to have them on our side again.”
Outstanding play in the net helped the Flyers even more. Neuvirth was sensational in the third after T.J. Oshie scored early in the period to make it 2-1.
The Capitals still have never swept a best-of-seven playoff series.
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 a third period, in a 6-1 Game 3 loss. Mason’s Game 2 gaffe that allowed Jason Chimera’s 101-foot tip-in goal has been replayed on an endless blooper reel in Philly.
Exit Mason, enter Neuvirth.
Neuvirth, who played parts of six seasons in Washington, 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. His only misstep came when Oshie backhanded a rebound off Matt Niskanen’s shot from the point just 2:38 into the third.
To continue reading this article, click here.
