Capitals Move One Game Closer To Sweep, NHL News

Wayne Simmonds raised his hand toward the crowd and pleaded with fans to stop hurling colorful bracelets on the ice.

The Flyers PA announcer urged fans to "show some class" during the first wave of band tossing.

The Philly fans refused to listen and pelted the ice with the giveaways at seemingly the same rapid rate Washington was scoring goals.

Alex Ovechkin scored twice, Braden Holtby had 31 saves and the Washington Capitals moved one game closer to a sweep in their first-round playoff series with a 6-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night.

The Capitals lead a series 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. Game 4 is Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

"It's a huge opportunity for us to come back home with the win and see what's going to happen and who's going to be next," Ovechkin said.

Ovechkin snapped a tie game with his 38th career postseason goal and Holtby made the lead stand with his third straight sensational effort in the series. The Capitals scored five power-play goals, including four in a third period marked by the behavior of Philadelphia's disgruntled home fans.

The Flyers lost in their first home game since founder Ed Snider's death last week. Michael Raffl scored 57 seconds into the game and sent a crowd already rocking after an emotional pregame tribute into a frenzy.

Monday, April 18 Scoreboard

Washington 6, Philadelphia 1

Game 3 - Capitals lead 3-0

Minnesota 5, Dallas 3

Game 3 - Stars lead 2-1

Los Angeles 2, San Jose 1 (OT)

Game 3 - Sharks lead 2-1

Tuesday, April 19 Schedule (All Times Central)

Pittsburgh at NY Rangers

Game 3 - Series tied 1-1, 6 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Detroit

Game 4 - Lightning lead 2-1, 6 p.m.

St. Louis at Chicago

Game 4 - Blues lead 2-1, 8:30 p.m.

Anaheim at Nashville

Game 3 - Predators lead 2-0, 8:30 p.m.