Preview; Game 55/82: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals

The Philadelphia Flyers (24-20-10) return home to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Tuesday night to start their season series against the Washington Capitals (28-22-7), with puck drop set for 7 pm/ET. It is the first of four meetings between the Metropolitan Division rivals and comes at a pivotal point in the Flyers’ schedule, with just two games remaining before the Olympic break.

Washington enters the matchup rolling, having won three straight games and posting a 3-1-1 record over their last five, including a victory on Monday night. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is looking to reset after a four-game skid, sitting at 1-3-1 in their last five contests. Their most recent win was a dominant one, coming in the 7–3 statement over the Colorado Avalanche on January 23.

The Capitals hold a noticeable edge offensively, averaging 3.19 goals per game compared to the Flyers’ 2.91, while also generating more shot volume at 29.1 shots per game versus Philadelphia’s 25.9. Defensively, Washington has also been slightly more effective, allowing 2.91 goals against per game, while the Flyers are giving up 3.20 per contest.

Philadelphia’s penalty kill sits 18th in the league at 78.8%, just a hair ahead of Washington’s 78.7%, tied for 19th. Offensively, neither power play has found much consistency, with the Flyers and Capitals tied in 27th at 15.9%. 

Injury Report: Philadelphia Flyers

• Rodrigo Ābols (Arm)
• Tyson Forester (Arm)
• Sam Ersson (Lower-body)

Injury Report: Washington Capitals

• Logan Thompson (Upper-body)
• Charlie Lindgren (Upper-body)
• Connor McMichael (Upper-body)
• Pierre-Luc Dubois (Abdomen)

Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena; Philadelphia, PA

When: 02/03/2026; 7pm/ET

TV Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Last Game PHI: 01/31/2026; 2-3 OT L; vs. Los Angeles Kings

Last Game WSH: 02/02/2026; 4-1 W; vs. New York Islanders

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers desperately need more consistent contributions throughout the lineup. One player that needs to get himself fired up specifically is captain Sean Couturier. He has not found the back of the net since December 7, recording nine assists over the 27 games since, but the Flyers will need more impact from the captain.

Fortunately, Travis Konecny continues to be productive offensively. He has been red-hot of late, tallying five goals and two assists over his last three games, and leads the Flyers in both goals and assists this season with 22 goals and 30 assists. 

Dan Vladař is confirmed to get the start in goal for Philadelphia. While he is 0-3-2 over his last five starts, Vladař has posted a solid 16-8-5 record this season with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. He owns a 3-2-0 career record against Washington.

Washington Capitals

Washington’s offense continues to run through its familiar stars, as Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin are tied for the team lead in goals with 22 apiece. On the back end, John Carlson leads the Capitals with 35 assists and is sitting tied with Dylan Strome for the team lead in points, with both players recording 45 so far this season.

With the Capitals currently down two goaltenders, Clay Stevenson is expected to start again despite playing Monday night. Stevenson has impressed in limited action, posting a perfect 2-0-0 record with a .923 save percentage and a 1.97 goals-against average. He earned the first star of the game in Monday’s win over the Islanders after stopping 29 shots and will be making his first career appearance against the Flyers in just his fourth NHL start.

Projected Lineup: Philadelphia Flyers

#29 Nikita Grebenkin – #22 Christian Dvorak – #11 Travis Konecny

#52 Denver Barkey – #27 Noah Cates – #74 Owen Tippett

#39 Matvei Michkov – #46 Trevor Zegras – #10 Bobby Brink

#44 Nic Deslauriers – #14 Sean Couturier – #91 Carl Grundström

#6 Travis Sanheim – #55 Rasmus Ristolainen

#8 Cam York – #9 Jamie Drysdale

#24 Nick Seeler – #47 Noah Juulsen

#80 Dan Vladař

(#35 Aleksei Kolosov)

Projected Lineup: Washington Capitals

#72 Anthony Beauvillier – #17 Dylan Strome – #8 Alex Ovechkin

#21 Aliaksei Protas – #34 Justin Sourdif – #43 Tom Wilson

#9 Ryan Leonard – #26 Nic Dowd – #53 Ethen Frank

#22 Brandon Duhaime – #29 Hendrix Lapierre – #15 Sonny Milano

#42 Martin Fehérváry – #74 John Carlson

#6 Jakob Chychrun – #3 Matt Roy

#38 Rasmus Sandin – #57 Trevor van Reimsdyk

#33 Clay Stevenson

(#68 Garin Bjorklund)

ULTIMATE WEST COAST HOCKEY TRIP

Flyers Nation and Philly Sports Trips have teamed up to bring you an unforgettable experience as the Flyers hit the road against the Ducks and Kings this March. The Ultimate West Coast Hockey Trip’s full package features group tickets to Flyers-Ducks on 3/18 and Flyers-Kings on 3/19 with game-day transportation, optional flights from Philadelphia with group airport transfers in California, a 5-night stay at the Sandborne Santa Monica, an all-inclusive watch party, custom swag, and a meet and greet with Flyers legend John LeClair! Make sure to use code FLYERSNATION2026 for $100 off your purchase!