Meanwhile...

...in Philadelphia last night:

The Bears knocked off the Phantoms, 4-2, in Game 1 of the AHL East Division semifinals. They finished strong, scoring three goals in the third period for the win.

Michal Neuvirth turned aside 30 of 32 shots for Hershey (Caps fans will no doubt clamor for him to be called up to start Game 2 in Washington, tomorrow).

The scoring was led by the kids. Of the under-25 brigade to get on the scoreboard...

Kyle Wilson: 1-1-2, +1 (first star)

Andrew Gordon: 1-1-2, +1 (second star)

Oskar Osala: 1-0-1, +1

Jay Beagle: 1-0-1, even

Chris Bourque: 0-1-1, even

Francois Bouchard: 0-1-1, +1

Andrew Joudrey: 0-1-1, +1

Mathieu Perreault: 0-1-1, even

And, Karl Alzner was a plus-2, helping hold the Phantoms to an 0-for-7 performance on the power play.

Game 2 is in Philadelphia tomorrow.