Michal Neuvirth stopped 31 shots in his first start of the playoff series to help the Philadelphia Flyers stave off a sweep with a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.
The Capitals still lead the series 3-1 headed into Game 5 tonight in Washington.
Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald each scored for the Flyers. Neuvirth was sensational in the third after T.J. Oshie scored early in the period to make it 2-1.
The Capitals have never swept a playoff series.
“Every series is about getting the four. We need to get the four,” coach Barry Trotz said. “The sooner you get the four, it gives you a couple opportunities to rest guys, heal guys [and get] a little mental break from the pressures of playoff hockey and a little more time to prepare.”
In New York, Alex Petrovic scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period as the Florida Panthers beat the Islanders 2-1 to even their first-round playoff series at two games apiece.
Teddy Purcell also scored for Florida, while Jaromir Jagr had an assist for his 200th career playoff point. Roberto Luongo stopped 26 shots.
John Tavares had his third goal of the series for New York, while Thomas Greiss finished with 27 saves.
Jason Spezza scored the go-ahead goal with a deflection off his skate as the Dallas Stars defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 to push their series lead to 3-1.
Antti Niemi assumed the net from Kari Lehtonen, who started the first three games, and made 28 saves for the Stars. They host Game 5 in Dallas, Texas, tonight.
Jason Pominville and Charlie Coyle both gave the Wild the lead with second-period goals, but they were not able to sustain the momentum from a spirited comeback in Game 3 for the entire night.
“It’s a typical playoff road win right there,” Spezza said. “Just hunker down in the third period and hold a lead, big saves from our goalie, and good penalty kills.”
Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski scored power-play goals in the second as the Sharks again moved to the brink of eliminating the Los Angeles Kings, winning 3-2 at home.
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
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