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Eager eases Flyers past Capitals

Sep 27, 2007 - 1:42 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Better known for his fighting ability than his scoring touch, Ben Eager netted the eventual game-winning goal in the second period as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Washington Capitals, 2-1, in a preseason game on Wednesday.

After center Jim Dowd won a faceoff, Eager blasted a shot from the left faceoff circle that beat goaltender Brent Johnson to the stick side. It was Eager's first point of the preseason.

The win put a stop to a two-game losing streak for the Flyers. It was the second game in as many nights for both teams, as the Flyers rebounded from a 4-2 loss in Ottawa, while the Capitals edged the Carolina Hurricanes, 3-2, in overtime.

Philadelphia opened the scoring as Boyd Kane tipped defenseman Braydon Coburn's shot past Johnson 3:56 into the first period.

The Capitals tied the game later in the first, when Brian Sutherby deflected a shot past netminder Martin Biron. After Steve Eminger's shot bounced off the stick of Philadelphia's Jesse Boulerice, Sutherby managed to tip the slow-moving puck past Biron to tie the game at 1-1.

The Capitals had opportunities to knot the contest after Eager's tally, going 0-of-7 on the power play - including a four-minute man advantage in the second period that produced only two shots on goal.

The Flyers played without the services of left wing Scottie Upshall, who sustained a fractured left wrist in Tuesday's game. Upshall, who was acquired in the blockbuster deal which sent Peter Forsberg to the Nashville Predators last season, will have surgery on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.

Upshall, 23, was impressive in his short stint with the Flyers last season, scoring six goals and 13 points in 18 games.

Philadelphia center R.J. Umberger broke his pinky finger on his left hand Tuesday and will require surgery. He will be out of action for one to two weeks.