Flyers Get Huge Win in a Gritty Matchup, Beat Washington 4-1
Mar 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier (14) hits Washington Capitals right wing Justin Sourdif (34) in the second period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
In a game that spoils the Capitals as much as keeps the Flyers alive, the Flyers came out strong in the end, despite a disappointing show in the first period. The 4-1 win at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, backed by a birthday goal and Samuel Ersson‘s netminding, marks their 5th win in their last 7 games.
Though the Flyers lost the first period despite clean looks, as Washington scored the only goal on the power play, they were able to respond hugely during the second period, which isn’t something they are known for doing. A team that usually loses its grip during the second frame swayed all of the momentum their way during this period. Two goals from Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras meant a lot to the team, let alone the game. After a questionable hit from Tom Wilson on the goal scorer in Konecny, Zegras played catch with Owen Tippett on an odd-man rush, resulting in a bar-down wrist shot from Zegras, who is now just shy of his career high in goals with 23. After the hit and a few conversations, the pot began to stir even more, with Nikita Grebenkin getting himself into a scrum with the Capitals. Even after the buzzer sounded, Wilson wanted more of Grebenkin and the Flyers, which led to the captain, Sean Couturier, stepping in with his leadership to prevent Wilson from causing any trouble.
With a lead entering the third period, the Flyers were able to keep their momentum, as the Capitals couldn’t capitalize on any of their chances. With the help of the insurance goals four on four by Jamie Drysdale, and the closed door from backup goaltender Ersson, the Flyers come out of tonight with a satisfying 4-1 win.
Konecny Scores his 24th on his 29th
To celebrate his birthday, Konecny tied the game for the Flyers during the second period on a wrist shot from the right side. This is his second goal since the Olympic break, his first breaking the ice against the Boston Bruins to end February.
Konecny has kept the theme of shining on the anniversary of his birth, as in five games on his birthday, he has five points via two goals and three assists. Konecny shines on his birthday, whether confidence or coincidence.
This goal means a lot, even if the Flyers finish near last in the Eastern Conference. They need to get Konecny as comfortable as possible, as he has been a star on this team for what will soon be half of a decade. Although the talent on the Flyers has improved, Konecny needs to shine as bright as possible, not only to live up to his contract but to live up to the expectations he has had for himself after these last few seasons.
Drysdale Begins to Heat Up
Even if the Flyers are not a playoff team, player development is still important to look out for and root for, especially for Flyers defenseman Drysdale. Drysdale, who now leads Flyers defensemen in points, was able to put the game away with his insurance goal to make it 3-1 late in the third. A beautiful wrist shot near the point was good for his seventh of the season, has now tied his career high from last season. With 27 points and 18 games left in the season. Drysdale has a lot of upside for the Flyers.
This game, late in the season, shows that Drysdale can heat up and perform down the stretch, regardless of the status of the team. Drysdale, who is an RFA at the end of this season, has proved a lot of late on both sides of the ice that he can be a valuable player on this hockey club. It is hard to find a 24-year-old defenseman who shoots right-handed with his speed and skill; he can definitely prove to be valuable.
Ersson Stops 21 of 22
Coming into tonight’s game, Ersson had a save percentage of .859, 60th in the NHL, and a goals against average of 3.40. With a goaltender giving up three and a half goals a game, no one saw a performance like this out of him against a desperate squad in the Capitals.
With a save percentage of .955 tonight, Ersson didn’t require a thought. In a game full of excitement, you never want to think about your goalie. With only giving up one goal tonight, he looked a lot different these last two games, as he went the third period scoreless against the New York Rangers on Monday night.
With the back-to-back tonight and tomorrow, the Flyers travel to Minnesota to face off against former teammate Bobby Brink, who was dealt at the deadline last week.
Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
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