Theodore, Capitals Down Flyers 2-1

Goalie's Superb Performance Helps Caps Avenge 7-1 Loss

Shot after shot after shot Washington Capitals goalie José Theodore and Philadelphia Flyers goalie Martin Biron turned pucks away, each allowing only one goal on 34 shots last night, but it was the Capitals who recorded their seventh straight victory, a 2-1 nail-biter that ended the only way a great duel of goaltenders should, in a shootout.

The Capitals win was even sweeter given that the only team they have lost to in their past 13 games is the Flyers, a 7-1 blowout in December. The red hot Capitals have not only won 12 of their past 13 games, but are now 18-1-1 at home, have a 10 point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Southeastern Division, and are gaining on the Eastern Conference leading Boston Bruins.

"We like it up there," quipped Capitals couch Bruce Boudreau about his team's lead in the Southeastern Division to reporters after the game, according to Reuters Canada. Washington has a chance to extend their lead in the division and improve upon their league leading home record on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets .

The win was nothing close to easy for Washington as Biron was solid in the net and allowed zero goals in regulation time after Nicklas Backstrom notched his 12^th goal of the season on a power play shortly into the third minute of play. As solid as Biron was, Theodore proved to be just a little better.

Theodore allowed only one goal the entire evening, a power play goal scored by Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn less than a minute into the third period, his fifth of the season. Theodore played as well as Biron through a scoreless five minute overtime period but outplayed Biron in the shootout, which Washington won 1-0.

Capitals right-winger Viktor Kozlov scored against Biron on the Capitals first shot attempt in the shootout, while Theodore turned down three consecutive Flyers' shots to seal the Washington win.

Boudreau reflected on the close win by telling reporters, according to Reuters, "We feel every game against Philly is going to be a battle. Hopefully if we get to the playoffs we don't have to play them."