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For Flyers, third-period blues — again

WASHINGTON _ The big news Friday was that the Flyers lost another key player (see story), Wayne Simmonds, to an injury.

But lost in the shuffle of their 3-2 defeat to Washington was the fact that they were outplayed in the third period.

That shouldn't happen when you are facing a team playing its second game in as many nights.

The Flyers were well-rested, having had Thursday off.

No matter. The Caps (2-5-1), one of the league's worst teams this year, snapped a 1-1 tie with two goals early in the third period, then held off a late Flyers push.

The Flyers are 2-6, their worst eight-game start since they were 1-6-1 in 2006-07.

We just weren't good enough, especially in the third period," said Brayden Schenn, who scored his first goal of the season midway through the last period, trimming the deficit to 3-2. "It's 1-1 and you have to learn how to win those hockey games."

In their first eight games, the Flyers have been outscored in the third period, 22-15.

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Look for the Caps' John Erskine to get at least a two-game suspension for his hit on Simmonds. He elbowed him to the nose and drew blood. Inexplicably, he didn't receive a penalty.

Simmonds didn't return after leaving late in the first period. He is questionable for Saturday.

Even though there wasn't a penalty whistled, Erskine will face a 2 p.m. hearing Saturday and figures to get suspended. Brayden Schenn was not penalized for a hit in New Jersey recently but was still given a one-game suspension by the NHL.

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Without Simmonds, Schenn briefly moved to the top line with Claude Giroux and Danny Briere. A short time later, Tye McGinn replaced Schenn on that unit and helped set up the game's first goal.

Breakaways. The Caps blocked 23 shots _ 12 more than the Flyers……Kurtis Foster had an assist and seven shots (four on net)……The Flyers' PP is 2 for 30 in their six losses and 3 for 10 in their two wins.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BoadStBull.