Washington closed out a five-game homestand with a 5-2 win over Philadelphia at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, and the result came largely from the line the Capitals rebuilt over the summer. Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, both added in offseason trades, scored two goals apiece, with center Dylan Strome picking up three assists between them.

Why is Washington's new line producing?

Tuch and Kyrou have settled in quickly alongside Strome. Tuch has four goals in his past two games and now has nine on the season, making him only the second player in Capitals history to reach that mark in his first 11 games with the club, according to the team's game notes. Kyrou has eight points in his past five games and has recorded at least one point in five straight.

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Kyrou credited familiarity rather than anything dramatic. "You just learn that over time," he said of reading his linemates' habits.

How did the rest of the game unfold?

Tuch opened the scoring 1:50 into the first period, converting a rebound of a Jack St. Ivany shot. St. Ivany, claimed off waivers from Winnipeg on Saturday, had two assists in his Washington debut. Aliaksei Protas added his first goal of the season, and Logan Thompson made 23 saves after missing Saturday's win over Buffalo with a lower-body injury.

Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov scored for Philadelphia, which was playing the second of back-to-back games after an overtime loss to Columbus. Joseph Woll stopped 25 shots.

What is wrong with the Flyers?

Philadelphia has now lost three straight and sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a minus-22 point differential, tied with Vancouver for the worst in the league. Captain Sean Couturier was blunt about the problem, saying the team has been "soft" in battles and needs to raise its physicality.

What comes next?

Washington's schedule has been light — Wednesday was just its 11th game, among the fewest in the league — so the challenge now is carrying this form into a busier stretch. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has to find answers quickly to avoid falling further behind in the East.

FAQ

Who scored for the Capitals?

Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou each scored twice, and Aliaksei Protas added one goal. Dylan Strome had three assists.

How many games have the Capitals played?

Wednesday's game was Washington's 11th of the season, tied for the second fewest in the NHL at that point.