Capitals Burned by Flames

The Washington Capitals blew a 2-0 lead in a span of just 3:14 on Day 24 to lose a tough 3-2 game to the Calgary Flames. Washington is now 5-5-1 for the season.

Washington got off to the perfect start in the first period when Anson Carter netted from Patrick Marleau after just 25 seconds. The Capitals dominated the rest of the period, but couldn't put another past Mikka Kiprusoff.

A cagey second period saw Washington extend the lead to 2-0 when Greg Watson scored his first of the season from Andrew Ference and Mikael Renberg at 10:38. Washington had two power play opportunities in the period, but couldn't score on either chance.

Trailing 2-0, the Flames came alive in the final period, and a three-goal burst gave the visiting side an unlikely victory. Popovic started the rally with a goal from NAslund at 12:22, and Ruutu tied the game at 14:51 from Jokinen and Popovic. Naslund then scored the game-winner just 45 seconds later from Ruutu and Popovic.

Peter Skudra made 22 saves in the loss for the Capitals. Kiprusoff stopped 26 shots to earn his third win of the season.

Washington returns to action on Day 25 against the Dallas Stars at home.