Neuvirth, Flyers hold off elimination in 2-1 win over Caps

Neuvirth had 31 saves in his first start of the playoff series, helping Philadelphia stave off a sweep with a 2-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.

Shayne Gostisbehere and Andrew MacDonald each scored for the Flyers in a distraction-free game following Game 3's embarrassing end where fans pelted the ice with souvenir wristbands.

The Capitals still have never swept a best-of-seven playoff series.

Mason allowed five power-play goals, including four in a third period, in a 6-1 Game 3 loss.

Neuvirth, who played parts of six seasons in Washington, went 18-8-4 with a 2.27 goal against and a .924 save percentage in 32 games.

The sooner you get the four, it gives you a couple opportunities to rest guys, heal guys (and get) a little mental break from the pressures of playoff hockey and a little more time to prepare.

Gostisbehere's goal came on the power play, snapping the Flyers' 0 for 13 postseason skid.

MacDonald signed a $30 million, six-year contract with the Flyers in 2014, then slumped so badly that the 29-year-old defenseman was demoted this season to the AHL.

Braden Holtby, who had had stopped 91 of 93 shots, started a day after he left practice with an apparent left leg injury after a collision with a teammate.