5 Reasons to watch Flyers-Capitals

The Philadelphia Flyers have a one-point lead on the Washington Capitals for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division as they head toward the Christmas break. Both will be looking to gain ground on the leaders when they meet Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports, NHL.TV).

It's the first game between them since the Capitals eliminated the Flyers from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Eastern Conference First Round in April. Each is trying to get back on track after having a long win streak snapped: Washington won six straight before a 2-1 home loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, and the Flyers are 0-1-1 after winning 10 in a row.
Here are 5 reasons to watch this edition of Wednesday Night Rivalry:

Alex Ovechkin

With 14 goals in 30 games, the NHL's top goal-scorer during the past decade hasn't been turning on the red light as often as in the past. But there's still no one in the League as dangerous as Ovechkin, especially if he gets the chance to set up in the left circle and fire one-timers. He's not getting off as many shots on goal as he did in previous seasons; he's averaging 4.0 per game, down from his average of 5.0 for the past three seasons. But Ovechkin has always thrived against the Flyers (31 goals and 48 points in 41 games), and he's still the player opponents have to focus on to shut down the Capitals.

Making his 'Marc'

One player scoring more this season for the Capitals is forward Marcus Johansson, who's having a career year. Johansson has 12 goals and 22 points in 30 games, putting him on a pace to surpass career highs of 20 goals and 47 points in 2014-15. Five of his goals have been game-winners. When opposing checkers pay too much attention to Ovechkin, Johansson has been making them pay. Johansson has had the reputation of a player who looked to pass when he should shoot. He's letting fly more often this season and is being rewarded for it.

Simmonds gets 'dirty'

Philadelphia forward Wayne Simmonds is halfway to matching the career-best 32 goals he scored last season. Much of the reason for his success is his willingness to go to the net and score the 'dirty' kind of goals coaches love. Simmonds is especially dangerous when the Flyers are on the power play: Eight of his 16 goals and 14 of his 29 points have come with the man advantage. Expect Simmonds and Washington's defensemen to be battling for position throughout the game.

Steve Mason

A big reason the Flyers were able to run off 10 straight wins was the work of Mason, who's the unquestioned No. 1 goaltender with Michal Neuvirth sidelined with a knee injury. Mason was in the net for eight of the 10 victories, and though his season numbers (2.68 goals-against average, .908 save percentage) aren't up to past seasons, he's allowed 22 goals on 314 shots (.930 save percentage) in his past 10 starts.

Mature beyond their years

The Flyers have been impressed by the play of their two 19-year-olds, Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny. Provorov has solidified the defense and came of age during the 10-game win streak when he showed he could shut down the opposition's top players and still contribute offensively. Provorov, selected in the first round (No. 7) in the 2015 NHL Draft, is two months older than Konecny, a forward who was taken 17 picks later. Konecny has four goals and 16 points in 34 games and he's earned a regular shift on a team with some high-powered forwards.