Flyers Tie Capitals

The Philadelphia Flyers are measuring improvement in small increments. The Flyers` two-game winning streak ended when they battled the Washington Capitals to a 1-1 tie Sunday night. But Philadelphia is 2-1-2 in its last five games, and that`s an improvement for a team that began the season 1-4-1. "I think things are coming around," said Daymond Langkow, who scored the Flyers` goal against the Capitals. "It is a nice break lately considering the way we were struggling. We have been playing well, but there is always room for improvement." Langkow gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead 8:41 of the second period when he pushed a rebound of Chris McAllister`s shot past Washington goalie Olaf Kolzig. Philadelphia`s Simon Gagne had the lone scoring opportunity in overtime, but he fanned on a shot in the slot. The Flyers, who lead the league with 13 power-play goals, went 0-for-7 on the power play, and are scoreless in their last 12 chances. "With the way we played tonight, we didn`t get the power play going," said Flyers goalie Brian Boucher, who had 21 saves. "But this is the way we have to play right now. We realize the commitment to little things, and the first few games we were embarrassed." Washington, which has lost two straight, has come from behind in the third period in all four ties this season and is 1-2-2 in their last five games. Washington`s Jeff Halpern scored a power-play goal two minutes into the third period and tied it at 1. Halpern scored just as Philadelphia`s Dan McGillis was about to leave the penalty box after serving two minutes for charging. The point supplied the struggling Capitals with a big lift. Washington has lost two and tied two in its last five games. "We have to get more wins," Halpern said. "We were getting so frustrated lately. We`ve had enough of this, and we`re ready to move on."

Kolzig made 30 saves, including 15 in the second period. "Ollie [Kolzig] was solid all night," Capitals coach Ron Wilson said. "He is starting to get his timing back. "This was a real positive step for us. Our confidence is not where it should be right now and we are afraid to lose. We are a reactive team and not an active team."

Notes: D Chris Therien, who missed six of the Flyers` first 10 games with back pain, practiced for the third straight day without pain Saturday and is looking to return on Nov. 4 against Buffalo. ... Flyers RW Mark Recchi`s blood tests recently came back negative, which ruled out the possibility of mononucleosis. Recchi is still feeling some fatigue and will be evaluated Monday or Tuesday. ... Flyers LW Keith Jones will likely return in a week from a mild concussion he suffered last week. ... Washington RW Richard Zednik returned to the lineup for the first time after serving a four-game suspension for a cross-check against Colorado on Oct. 17.

Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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Author: AP