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Power-play goals help lift Capitals to rout of Flyers

Sep 27, 2006 - 1:52 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- An inept power play was one of the reasons the Washington Capitals struggled last season. Things may be different this season.

The Capitals, who struggled with the extra man in their first three preseason games, scored three power-play goals in a 6-1 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Defenseman Jamie Heward, Mike Green and Kris Beech scored power-play goals for Washington, which went 0-for-8 with the extra skater in a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.

Washington converted just 14.7 percent of its power-play opportunities last season, ranking 26th in the league. The Capitals entered with just four goals in 29 preseason opportunities but went 3-for-10 against the Flyers.

Richard Zednik, Brian Sutherby and Matt Bradley scored Washington's other goals. Drafted by Washington in 1994, Zednik was reacquired from Montreal on July 12 for a 2007 seventh-round pick.

Washington's Olaf Kolzig stopped 43 of 44 shots.

Peter Forsberg, who underwent right ankle surgery May 15, scored the lone goal for the Flyers, who went 1-for-11 on the power play.

Philadelphia goaltender Robert Esche stopped 11 of 16 shots before being replaced in the second period by Martin Houle, who made six saves. Houle, a 2004 eighth-round pick, was summoned from the minors after netminder Antero Niittymaki suffered torn cartilage in his left hip during practice Tuesday.