Courtesy: USA TODAY
Trying to get above the .500 mark for the first time during the 2013-14 NHL season was too daunting a task for the Washington Capitals as their three-game win streak was snapped at the hands of the Calgary Flames Saturday night.
This game had a similar feel to the first matchup between these two clubs on Oct. 3 at Verizon Center as the Capitals fell behind the speedy Flames 3-0 in the first period. While it was 3-1 after one this time around, goalie Braden Holtby was once again chased from the pipes again as he was relieved by backup goaltender Michael Neuvirth following three scores allowed.
The deficit was too large to overcome this time around as the Capitals fell 5-2 to the Flames, but the chances were there throughout the game. Washington’s top line was shut out as far as points were concerned and usually when that happens, the Caps tend to fall on the short end of the stick.
There were four disappointing takes to grab from this contest:
– As good as forward Martin Erat has played since head coach Adam Oates moved him up to the second offensive line, he played to a -4 rating yesterday in a little over 16 minutes of ice time.
– The Capitals ranked first coming into this game in special teams index (power play and penalty killing percentage combined) with 118.0. While their penalty kill was able to kill off all three man-down situations, the power play (29.7% conversion rate; second in the NHL behind the New York Islanders) was 0-4 and unable to capitalize on some great scoring chances.
– Washington still looked flat-footed against the young Flames team as they repeatedly beat them to 50-50 pucks and the Caps cycled sloppily once again. Chances were there, but they shot themselves in the foot too often as they airmailed golden opportunities to sneak pucks past Karri Ramo.
– Other than hits, Calgary outmatched the Capitals on every major team statistic. While the margins weren’t that great, Calgary won more faceoffs (31-26), had less giveaways (10-12), more takeaways (9-4) and blocked 18 shots to Washington’s seven.
Washington was only outshot by four in the game 33-29, but the first period shows just how dominant the Flames were. Calgary took 17 shots in comparison to the Caps’ eight.
While the loss to the Flames is tough, the Capitals have just a day or practice and preparation to forget about the disappointing loss as they are set to face the Vancouver Canucks Monday night in British Colombia. The puck is set to drop 10:00 PM EST.
